The culinary world is a playground of flavours, aromas, and textures. One element that serves as a cornerstone in the culinary arts is salt. A seemingly simple ingredient, salt has the power to elevate dishes from good to absolutely divine – however, not all salts are created equal.
If you’ve been leaning on table salt for all your seasoning needs, it might be time to venture out and explore the distinct qualities of kosher salt. Wondering what is kosher salt? Discover its origins, unique characteristics, and why it’s a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike.
- Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Rubbing the chicken with kosher salt inside and out promotes crispy skin and moist, tender meat. The larger grain size allows for a more even distribution of flavour.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Kosher salt’s flaky texture melds seamlessly with the creamy mashed potatoes, elevating each mouthful to a velvety taste sensation.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
A sprinkle of kosher salt atop your cookies will balance the sweetness, adding depth and complexity to this beloved treat.
4. Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Ingredients:
- 5 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 bunch basil leaves, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Kosher salt pulls out the moisture from the tomatoes, intensifying the sauce’s flavour. It’s a simple addition that makes a world of difference.
5. Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Croutons
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Kosher salt blends effortlessly with the creamy Caesar dressing, accentuating the cheese and anchovy flavours without overpowering the dish.
6. BBQ Ribs
Ingredients:
- 1 rack of pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Rub the ribs with kosher salt before grilling to achieve that scrumptious crust, making the meat both juicy and flavourful.
7. Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Kosher salt dissolves readily in liquids, making it an ideal choice for stews and soups where even seasoning is essential.
8. Guacamole
Ingredients:
- 3 avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
The coarser grains of kosher salt add a nice crunch and burst of flavour to every scoop of this heavenly dip.
9. Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Adding a pinch of kosher salt to caramel sauce can balance the overwhelming sweetness and bring a gourmet touch to this versatile topping.
10. Sourdough Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Kosher salt regulates yeast activity in sourdough, providing a consistent rise and deeply flavourful crust.
So, whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, incorporating kosher salt into your recipes can be a real game-changer. Its versatility and unique properties offer a superior seasoning experience that complements a wide range of dishes. Once you’ve given it a try, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. Bon Appetit!
