Old World Artisan Horseradish Mustard

🌍 Cuisine: European
🏷️ Category: Condiments & Sauces
⏱️ Prep: 20 minutes (plus 24-48 hours soaking/mellowing time)
🍳 Cook: 5 minutes
👥 Serves: Makes about 2 cups

📝 About This Recipe

This robust condiment bridges the gap between the nasal-clearing heat of fresh horseradish and the complex, tangy depth of stone-ground mustard. Crafted with a blend of yellow and brown mustard seeds soaked in crisp white wine, it offers a sophisticated texture and a lingering warmth that store-bought versions simply cannot replicate. It is the ultimate companion for hearty meats, transforming a simple sandwich or roast into a gourmet experience.

🥗 Ingredients

The Mustard Base

  • 1/2 cups Yellow mustard seeds (for mild flavor and thickening)
  • 1/4 cups Brown or Black mustard seeds (for intense heat and pungency)
  • 2 tablespoons Dry mustard powder (acts as an emulsifier)
  • 1/2 cups Dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1/2 cups Apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)

The Horseradish Kick

  • 1/2 cups Fresh horseradish root (peeled and finely grated)
  • 1 tablespoon White distilled vinegar (to stabilize the horseradish heat)
  • 2 tablespoons Cold water (used during grating)

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons Honey (to balance the acidity)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder (for a vibrant golden color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 pinch Allspice (ground)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a non-reactive glass bowl or jar, combine the yellow mustard seeds, brown mustard seeds, dry mustard powder, white wine, and apple cider vinegar.

  2. 2

    Stir the mixture thoroughly, cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 to 24 hours. This allows the seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.

  3. 3

    Prepare the fresh horseradish: Peel the brown skin off the horseradish root using a vegetable peeler until the white flesh is exposed.

  4. 4

    Grate the horseradish using the fine holes of a box grater or a microplane. Work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes are very potent!

  5. 5

    Immediately toss the grated horseradish with 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar and 2 tablespoons of cold water. This stops the enzymatic reaction and preserves the heat level.

  6. 6

    Transfer the soaked mustard seed mixture into a food processor or high-speed blender.

  7. 7

    Pulse the mixture several times. For a coarse, stone-ground texture, process for about 30-45 seconds. For a smoother mustard, process for 2-3 minutes.

  8. 8

    Add the prepared horseradish, honey, kosher salt, turmeric, garlic powder, and allspice to the blender.

  9. 9

    Blend again for another 30 seconds to fully incorporate the spices and horseradish into the mustard base.

  10. 10

    Taste the mustard carefully. If it is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or vinegar at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

  11. 11

    Transfer the finished mustard into sterilized glass jars. Do not be alarmed if it tastes extremely bitter or overly sharp right now; it needs time to mellow.

  12. 12

    Refrigerate the jars for at least 2-3 days before using. This aging process is crucial for the flavors to harmonize and the initial bitterness to dissipate.

💡 Chef's Tips

Use only glass or ceramic bowls, as the vinegar can react with metal and create a metallic off-flavor. If you prefer a milder mustard, use more yellow seeds and fewer brown seeds. Freshness matters: ensure your mustard seeds are relatively fresh, as old seeds won't thicken the mixture properly. Always add the vinegar to the grated horseradish within 2-3 minutes to lock in the 'burn'; waiting longer makes it even hotter, but it can become bitter. This mustard will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Slather onto a warm pastrami on rye sandwich with Swiss cheese. Serve as a bold dipping sauce for soft Bavarian pretzels. Whisk into a vinaigrette for a roasted beet and goat cheese salad. Use as a crust for a roasted rack of lamb or prime rib roast. Mix a dollop into deviled egg filling for an unexpected spicy twist.