If you’re looking to enjoy caviar you will absolutely want to know what you can pair it with to get the best possible flavor and enjoyment.
For those who aren’t familiar with caviar, there can be some confusion as to just how you should enjoy it. So, we’ll take a look at some of the best ways to prepare to taste your caviar.
First, we’ll start with a few basic tips that you absolutely should know, and start increasing to some of the best ways that you can enjoy. Starting out small will help you get used to enjoying caviar, while progressing through some of these will give you even more unique options.
Sometimes Less is More
You may have heard chefs say that you should let the ingredients speak for themselves.’ That’s definitely something you should be paying attention to yourself, especially with caviar.
Caviar can be quite expensive and if you are going to pay that much for this product you don’t want to hide it in anything else. You want to make sure that you or your guests can enjoy it for what it is.
This means the best thing to do is simply make it the star of the show and cut down on everything else that you’re enjoying alongside it.
Traditional caviar tasting is all about minimalism. You just lay out some ice with a few little garnishes that make the display look nice but don’t actually affect the flavor of the caviar itself.
You also want to make sure that you’re not drinking a rich wine or anything too colorful. These beverages will change the flavor of the caviar or at least your perception of it. Instead, an extra-brut champagne, chenin blanc, or sauvignon blanc are good, light, white wines to enjoy with the caviar.
You could also go to the store and pick out a dry white or a sparkling wine (or ask for some assistance in choosing one). These will generally pair well with a caviar, but should be kept cold to get the best flavor pairing.
Another option is to use a Russian vodka. It should be extremely cold and you should take only small sips of it between each bite of your caviar. This will help to cleanse your palate and will ensure you get the full flavor of the caviar.
Also, make sure that you are not using metal with your caviar. While metal dishes may look nice they can impart a flavor onto the gentle eggs or the eggs could actually damage the metal containers because of oxidation.
Glass or mother-of-pearl are generally considered the best when it comes to enjoying caviar, with most of it being served in glass bowls with a mother-of-pearl spoon to serve. It will definitely create a special experience for everyone.
Simple Starches and Dairy
If you’re not interested in enjoying the caviar entirely on its own there are other options that you can enjoy. If you want a little bit of added flavor you should take a look at some of these simple garnishes that will help you along.
Starches and dairy, in more simple ways, will help you to enjoy the taste of the caviar while also giving you something else to enjoy. You don’t need to have anything fancy at this point. In fact, simple can be a great way to start.
Buttered toast points are made with white bread cut into small triangles. You can add a little butter, toast them just a little and then use them to enjoy your caviar. It’s quick and easy and you can get the ingredients you need at your favorite store.
The idea is that the toast points should also melt in your mouth and they should look beautiful on your tray as well. Make sure you’re not toasting too heavily as you want the flavor to be light.
Another option is to use puff pastry and blini. This will take a little more effort on your part but it doesn’t require a great deal of precision.
Blini is a circular pastry, while puff pastry can add a little more texture. They generally hold up well with a little bit of cream as well.
Yet another option is to use unsalted crackers or unsalted potato chips. They’re going to taste great and they’ll pair well with the saltiness of the caviar.
Fruits and Veggies
For those who want something a little more fresh or who are looking for less gluten and dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables are a great option to enjoy this delicacy.
The key is to make sure that you are preparing the ingredients the right way, because once you do they’re going to be a great option for your caviar.
Lemon, sliced thinly, is actually the best fruit to use with your caviar. Make sure there are enough slices to share amongst your guests.
Some herbs and lemon wedges will be a great addition to your caviar tray, especially if you’re depicting a very pricey caviar that you don’t want to spoil with too many accompaniments.
When it comes to veggies you can use a number of different types like cauliflower, avocado, or even cucumber. Cut them into strips or circles and then use your caviar as a bit of a garnish. You’ll love the way the flavors come together.
Because most vegetables have a subtle flavor but a great texture you don’t have to worry too much about overloading the flavors and you can enjoy the balance with the caviar.
More Complex Creations
If you want something that’s more unique or a little more advanced you can actually use your caviar in some of your favorite recipes. This is made possible by the fact that there are plenty of different ways you can get caviar.
A pasta carbonara is a great way to emphasize the flavor of the caviar. This is because the silky eggs and cheese that are used in the sauce will actually really refine the flavor of the eggs.
If you’re looking to make this dish make sure that you’re using a thin pasta, however. Angel hair or even capellini are great, and then the caviar can be added to the dish to give you a few pieces throughout each bite, so you get a great balance overall.
If you’re not quite sure about the flavor of caviar or you’re not sure all of your guests will enjoy it you can actually choose not to make it the star of the show and instead relegate it to the background until you get a chance to really understand it.
You could add caviar on top of other dishes that you like, such as a steak tartare or a tuna tartare. These dishes already have much of the cold, raw, salty flavor that you would get with the caviar and for those who already enjoy these it’s a great way to start.
Tartare is great because it’s a little acidic and it has a good fat content, which makes it a good balance for the caviar. Some herbs or other types of sprouts can also balance out the flavor.
Caviar with some white chocolate is another great option if you’re looking to try something new. You may not think it would be a good combination, but it will taste unique and beautiful, even for new caviar connoisseurs.
Conclusion
It’s all about finding something that you and your guests enjoy and want to continue to try. Caviar can be used in a range of different ways, and you’ll be able to enjoy it no matter which you choose.
You can go with something simple like veggies, crackers or toast, or you can go for something more complex like pasta, but either way you’re going to get a completely new flavor palette in the process.
The good thing is that there are several different types of caviar out there and you can now get them at a more reasonable price. That means you can afford to try out different options and see which ones you like best.
