Which Vermouth?

Our answer

Vemouth is a fortified wine that has been infused with various herbs and spices. Although they are traditionally served as an aperitif or used in cocktails, vermouths are useful to have in the kitchen for cooking. A splash of vermouth adds flavour to dishes and as it is fortified it lasts a lot longer than wine once it has been opened. Vermouths will keep best in the fridge, once they are opened, and will last for several weeks.

Nigella uses a variety of vermouths in cooking. There is not that much variation in red vermouths so choose one that suits your own taste. White vermouths however vary quite a bit between dry and sweet and the dry (or extra-dry) variety is normally used in cooking. You may like to try Nigella's Tarragon Salmon or Pumpkin And Goat's Cheese Lasagne, both of which use dry white vermouth. Rose (or rosato) vermouth is a more recent introduction and can be used in pasta dishes or sauces for lamb or pork. The major brands of vermouth are all good to cook with and try to buy the best quality that suits your purse.