Moutarde Violette

Nothing cuts the mustard like moutarde violette, an opulent condiment with a deep violet hue from the Limousin region of south central France: It marries the spicy pop of whole black mustard seeds with the molasses-like sweetness of reduced grape must (the juice of just-pressed wine grapes). Clove-scented with a mouthwatering tang, the mustard enhances sauces and vinaigrettes, brings a sweet counterpoint to aged cheddar cheese, and shines on baked ham and smoked turkey. But I also enjoy it as they do in Limousin, dabbed onto boiled beef on a slice of steamed bread.

Lolis Eric Elie is the author of Treme: Stories and Recipes from the Heart of New Orleans (Chronicle, 2013).

Culture

Moutarde Violette

By Lolis Eric Elie


Published on February 10, 2014

Nothing cuts the mustard like moutarde violette, an opulent condiment with a deep violet hue from the Limousin region of south central France: It marries the spicy pop of whole black mustard seeds with the molasses-like sweetness of reduced grape must (the juice of just-pressed wine grapes). Clove-scented with a mouthwatering tang, the mustard enhances sauces and vinaigrettes, brings a sweet counterpoint to aged cheddar cheese, and shines on baked ham and smoked turkey. But I also enjoy it as they do in Limousin, dabbed onto boiled beef on a slice of steamed bread.

Lolis Eric Elie is the author of Treme: Stories and Recipes from the Heart of New Orleans (Chronicle, 2013).

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