This is a robust dressing that is good with strongly flavored greens like escarole or spinach. It’s also very good on grilled foods and vegetables like potatoes, or as a dressing for chicken and pasta salad. Because the garlic thickens the dressing and gives it body, less oil is needed than for a conventional vinaigrette.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1/2 cup

　　1 whole head of garlic

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　Salt

　　2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

　　1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

　　1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

　　Pinch of sugar

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

　　

Step 2

Cut the head of garlic in half cross-wise and place it cut side up on a sheet of foil. Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt. Fold the foil up and around the halves of garlic, making sure they stay flat. Seal the foil into an airtight package. Roast until golden and soft, about 60 minutes. Let the garlic cool slightly in the foil.

　　

Step 3

Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins into a blender. Add the parsley and balsamic vinegar and pulse together until blended. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil into the blender while the machine is running. Add the sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper and blend until incorporated.

　　Everyday Pasta