GET A-SALTED!

Saffron, Chilli Lime, and Olive Citrus Salts

There are a few things that I need in my kitchen, it goes without saying, the Thermomix. It goes without saying, hot water (clean freak) and it goes without saying, Umami…but salt? Nay, even flavored salt? Well yes folks, you heard it here first; I now rely on the flavoured salts I have been producing en masse to liven up my cooking life. In fact I was in a hurry (funny that!) and threw a shrimp on the barbie as we supposedly do ‘down’ here, and with a smidgen of Olive Citrus Salt, they tasted divine, were duly impressive for the assembled crowd (who expect a lot at my house!) and I’m not just making this up…but take it all with a grain of salt if you like…

Flavored Salts

NEED:

100g good quality coarse salt

Flavorings of choice.

Vanilla Salt;

1 vanilla bean

Saffron Salt;

Good pinch saffron threads.

Soak saffron in enough hot water to cover.

Drain and follow directions below.

Olive, Citrus Salt;

Zest 2 oranges

Zest 1 lemon

50g Kalamata olives

Dry zest and olives in 130°C oven for 40-60 minutes.

Follow directions below.

Pomegranate Salt;

70g Pomegranate Molasses

Fennel Salt;

2 tbsp toasted fennel seeds

Chili Lime Salt;

Zest 2-3 limes

2 chilies

Dry zest and chilies in 130°C oven for 40-60 minutes.

Follow directions below.

DO:

Coarse Grind;

Place salt and chosen prepared ingredients into Thermomix bowl and blend together for 4-5 sec/Reverse/speed 6.

Fine Grind;

Place salt and chosen prepared ingredients into Thermomix bowl and blend together for 6 sec/speed 8.

Store in airtight jars, except Saffron and Pomegranate salts, which must be spread out onto a flat tray and left to ‘dry’ before putting into jars.

TASTE:

Use flavored salts as rubs for uncooked meats, fishes etc.

Use as seasoning in place of regular salt on just about anything.

Add Vanilla salt to hot chocolate for a real treat.

Tie your salt flavors to your cuisine;

Vanilla Salt; Cajun or Caribbean

Saffron Salt; Middle Eastern or Mediterranean

Olive Citrus Salt; Mediterranean

Pomegranate Salt; Moroccan or Turkish

Fennel Salt; Mediterranean

Chili Lime Salt; Caribbean, South American or Asian