Have you ever thought about how a sprinkle of flavored salt can completely transform a simple meal? Lately, I’ve been craving that burst of flavor that only comes from something homemade and unique. Just the other day, while making dinner, I stared at the salt shaker and wondered, why not try making my own flavored salt? I mean, who wouldn’t want to sprinkle a little rosemary sea salt on their steak or maybe some citrusy zest on their veggies? It feels like crafting a little piece of magic right in my kitchen. Plus, it’s such a personal touch—who doesn't love the idea of sharing a little jar of their own flavored salt as a gift? It’s like giving a taste of your personality!
Items You’ll Need
- Mortar and Pestle
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons
- Spice Grinder
- Jars or Containers
- Sifter
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Old spice jars or containers
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
I start by gathering all my ingredients and equipment. Today, I'll use sea salt as my base, and I'll be mixing in garlic powder, chili flakes, and some dried herbs. I also have my mortar and pestle, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and jars ready to go.
Step 2: Choose Your Flavor Combinations
I think about the flavor combinations I want to create. I decide on garlic herb salt and spicy chili salt. It gets me excited as I imagine the delicious seasoning they'll add to my meals.
Step 3: Measure the Salt
I take my measuring spoons and scoop out 1 cup of sea salt for each flavored salt blend. The crunching sound of salt adds to the fun!
Step 4: Prepare the Flavors
For the garlic herb salt, I grab some garlic powder, dried thyme, and rosemary. I measure out 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon each of thyme and rosemary.
Step 5: Mix the Ingredients for Garlic Herb Salt
I put the salt and the herb mix in one of the mixing bowls. Using my hands, I blend them well, excited at how fragrant the mixture smells!
Step 6: Grind the Garlic Herb Salt
Now, I place the blended mixture into my mortar and pestle for a finer texture. I pound them together, and the aroma wafts through the kitchen. This is the fun part!
Step 7: Sift the Herb Salt
Next, I use the sifter to ensure the salt is light and fluffy, free from clumps. The sifting makes it feel like I'm a professional chef.
Step 8: Prepare Spicy Chili Salt
Next, I switch gears to my spicy chili salt. I measure out 1 cup of salt and mix it with 2 tablespoons of chili flakes and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika in a new mixing bowl.
Step 9: Grind the Spicy Chili Salt
I repeat the process in the mortar and pestle, grinding the salt and spices together until everything is well combined and aromatic.
Step 10: Fill the Jars
Once both mixes are complete, I carefully fill up my jars with the flavored salts, labeling them with cute tags so I know what's what later.
Step 11: Store and Enjoy
Finally, I find a special spot in my spice cabinet for these gorgeous jars. I can't wait to sprinkle them over my next meal, making it so much more flavorful!