Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Gourmet Salts



Porcini Salt


30g/ 1oz/ ¼ cup approx. Sea salt – I always use Maldon Sea Salt
14g/ ½ oz dried porcini mushrooms

In a coffee or spice grinder, whizz the mushrooms until almost dust form. Carefully open the grinder – you will likely have a small plume of porcini dust – then add the salt. Grind again once more until mixed then transfer to a container. Perfect sprinkled on meat (especially steaks), potato wedges, pasta and anything else you want to add an intense, 'meaty' flavour to.


Chilli & Lime Salt

I love the combination of chilli and lime. It perks everything up and is completely delicious! Since I love chilli so much when I make this salt I make more than I do with the porcini salt as I use it more. If you prefer you can easily half the recipe though. This salt takes a little longer to make as you have to let it dry out overnight since it's involves using fresh chillies.

75g/ 2.5oz/ ½ cup approx. Sea salt – Maldon is my favourite
3-4 red chillies, depending on how hot you want it
Zest of ½ lime

Roughly chop up the chillies, de-seeding them if you prefer a slightly milder salt. Put into a small food processor and blitz until chopped. Add the salt and continue pulsing until the chillies and salt are well combined. Add the lime zest then transfer onto a baking tray and leave to dry in a cool place overnight. Transfer to a jar as use as needed.


Lavender & Orange Salt

Ok, this one I have to admit was a bit of an experiment and I'm still deciding what to use it on! That being said it is delicious and delicate and I'm sure would be delicious on scallops, a goats cheese or feta salad or even as a little sprinkling on something sweet!

I don't blitz this salt as I like to keep the texture of the salt flakes and lavender buds. If you prefer though you can easily grind it so that it's a finer texture and the flavours more combined.

30g/ 1oz/ ¼ cup flaked sea salt such as Maldon
1 tsp dried lavender
Zest of 1 orange

In a small bowl mix together the salt and lavender – using your finger tip gently crush the flakes together a little so help realise the flavour and mix then salt with the lavender. Add the zest of the orange then mix well. Put on a plate or baking tray and leave to dry in a cool place overnight. Transfer to a jar as use as needed.

7 comments:

  1. Lavender and orange... wow, sounds so exotic and delicious! I would love to add that to my salad!

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  2. Flavoured salts do sound wonderful...I am a fan of the chile lime one as well.

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  3. This is a fantastic idea. I really love the idea that you can make flavor salts at home, and I imagine this would be a well appreciated gift for any foodie. Thanks so much for sharing. Have a fantastic day. Cheers.

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  4. As much as I loved your post on flavoured oils, this one has me going crazy! Love the chili/lime and the lavender and orange. I think you're right, it would be amazing on scallops. Great ideas.

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  5. Thanks everyone for your lovely comments! It's amazing how something so simple can be so special! I hope you all enjoy them if you give them a go : )

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  6. These are so creative! And they'd make great gifts!!!

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