2 minute read
Step Up Your Salts!
by Expert Contributor Christopher Heath, Corporate Chef at Firepoint Grill
When it comes to flavorful food, there’s no question that salt is a tried and true necessity. But that salt shaker on your dining room table may not be the best option for perfectly seasoned dishes. Simply upgrading your salt can make all the difference in your cooking, whether you’re at home or in a busy restaurant kitchen!
Kosher salt is a longtime restaurant favorite. It’s ideal for flavoring any dish due to its flakiness and larger crystal size. Regular iodized salt, most commonly found in salt shakers, has small, tiny crystals that make it easy to oversalt a dish. With Kosher salt, you have more control over how much you put into a dish, and it easily dissolves into food, for even flavor. Look for Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt at your grocery store.
To step things up even further, look for Fleur de Sel. This “Flower of Salt” has a fascinating history that traces back to Brittany, France. This sea salt is harvested by hand after it forms a thin layer on the surface of evaporating seawater. It is more expensive due to its delicate harvesting, and is most commonly used as a finishing salt. However, it also is especially good for seasoning meats, where it is very flavorful and penetrating.
A custom salt blend can also be a game-changer for at-home cooking. Garlic Salt, Herb Salt, Lemon Salt… the opportunities for infusing your own salt are limited only to your imagination! Start with Kosher Salt and blend in a food processor with your selection of chopped fresh herbs or your chosen ingredients. When well blended, spread the salt mix out on a sheet pan and place in a low 225° oven. Bake until the salt is dry, checking every ten minutes. Once cooled, your salt infusion can be safely stored in airtight containers, to use in cooking or as a finisher. Top a slice of toast with a thin layer of mayonnaise, sliced fresh heirloom tomato, pepper and garlic or herb salt — the perfect open-faced sandwich!
With so many delicious salt options for flavoring your meals, it may seem odd to consider cooking without it. However, you can replace salt in your cooking by using the right condiments. A particular standout salt substitute is fish sauce, often used in Asian cuisine. A little goes a long way, allowing you to add a little less sodium to your dishes without sacrificing taste. Look for Patis Filipino fish sauce for salty, umami flavor.
Whether you’re buying salt, infusing your own salt blend, or replacing it with a substitute, with these options you can create show-stopping, restaurant-worthy dishes right at home.
Expert Contributor Christopher Heath, Corporate Chef at Firepoint Grill
