Description
Sauce Vierge is a fresh and vibrant French sauce, perfect as a salsa or topping for seafood, grilled vegetables, meats, pasta, or bread. Made with olive oil, lemon juice, tomatoes, olives, anchovies, and fresh herbs, it brings a bright, tangy, and herbaceous flavor without any cooking. This versatile sauce can be served at room temperature or gently warmed, maintaining its fresh quality.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 5 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced into 0.8cm (1/3″) cubes
- 12 black olives, pitted and cut into strips (Spanish, kalamata, or other)
- 2 anchovy fillets, very finely minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic, very finely minced
- 1 tsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp tarragon leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix: In a bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, diced tomatoes, black olives, minced anchovy fillets, finely minced garlic, and chopped herbs (parsley, chives, and tarragon). Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if necessary, considering the saltiness of other dishes you plan to serve it with.
- Serve: Use the sauce immediately at room temperature as a flavorful salsa or topping. Pile it onto fish such as Tuna Steak, other seafood, grilled or steamed vegetables, chicken, pork, pasta, or bread. It also works well as a dip for crostini or corn chips.
- Optional warming: If desired, gently warm the sauce by placing it in a small pot and heating it carefully to blood temperature. Avoid simmering or boiling to preserve the fresh flavors of the ingredients.
- Storage: Use the sauce right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Before serving stored sauce, allow it to come back to room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Anchovy fillets add umami and depth; omit for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh herbs are essential for the bright, fresh taste characteristic of Sauce Vierge.
- This sauce contains no cooking; its fresh quality is critical to the flavor.
- The sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially seafood and grilled foods.
