All-purpose Seasoned Salt

Introduction

History

The concept of seasoned salt began to gain popularity in the mid-20th century as home cooks and chefs alike sought ways to quickly and easily add complexity to their dishes. Commercial versions soon hit the market, but many cooks preferred to create their own blends, allowing for customization. This recipe is inspired by those early homemade concoctions, combining basic spices found in most kitchens to create a versatile and timeless seasoning.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality salt as the base of your seasoned salt. If you have a mortar and pestle, you can lightly crush the mixture to release more flavor from the spices. Additionally, consider toasting the paprika lightly in a dry pan before adding it to the mix to enhance its depth. Always taste your seasoned salt and adjust the ingredients as needed to suit your palate.

Serving Suggestions

Sprinkle this all-purpose seasoned salt over grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or even popcorn for an instant flavor boost. It can also be used to season soups, stews, and sauces. For a unique twist, try rimming your next Bloody Mary glass with it.

Cooking Techniques

This seasoned salt doesn't require any cooking, but understanding how to use it in cooking can enhance your dishes. When seasoning meats, sprinkle the seasoned salt generously on all sides before cooking. For vegetables, toss them with a bit of oil and seasoned salt before roasting to ensure even coverage and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're avoiding garlic or celery for any reason, you can substitute onion powder for garlic salt and omit the celery salt or replace it with a pinch of ground mustard for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This seasoned salt can be made well in advance and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It has a long shelf life, easily lasting several months, making it a convenient seasoning to have on hand.

Presentation Ideas

For a thoughtful homemade gift, package this seasoned salt in small mason jars tied with a ribbon. Include a tag with suggested uses or a favorite recipe that features the seasoned salt.

Pairing Recommendations

This seasoned salt pairs well with virtually any dish. Try it with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish. It also adds a delightful savory note to vegetable dishes and salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the seasoned salt in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. There is no need for reheating, as it is used as a dry seasoning.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of this seasoned salt is negligible, with the primary ingredient, salt, containing no calories. The spices add a minimal amount of calories, making this an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This all-purpose seasoned salt contains negligible amounts of carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets. The primary source of carbs in this recipe could come from garlic salt, depending on the brand used, but the amount per serving is minimal.

Fats

This recipe is virtually fat-free. Spices and salt do not contain fats, making this seasoned salt an excellent choice for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

Similar to fats, this seasoned salt recipe contains no proteins. It is primarily used as a flavor enhancer and does not contribute significantly to daily protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

While the amounts are small, this seasoned salt provides trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, particularly from paprika, which contains Vitamin A, and garlic salt, which can offer some selenium and calcium. However, these are present in minimal amounts and should not be relied upon as a significant source of nutrients.

Alergens

This all-purpose seasoned salt is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, and eggs. However, always check the labels of individual ingredients to ensure they are produced in an allergen-free facility if cross-contamination is a concern.

Summary

Overall, this seasoned salt is an excellent, low-calorie, and virtually fat-free way to add flavor to dishes without adding significant amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, or allergens. It contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals but should not be considered a significant source of nutrients.

Summary

This all-purpose seasoned salt is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes. Its versatility, combined with the ease of making and storing, makes it a staple in any kitchen. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the seasoned salt to suit your taste preferences and enjoy it in countless ways.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through a dusty old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a faded handwritten note fell out, revealing the secret to making the most delicious all-purpose seasoned salt.

The note was written in a flowing script, with careful instructions on how to mix together the perfect blend of spices. It was signed simply "Aunt Mildred," a distant relative whose cooking I had always admired. I knew that I had stumbled upon something special, a recipe that had been treasured and passed down through generations.

I decided to give the seasoned salt a try, gathering together the listed ingredients - salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a few other secret spices. As I mixed them together in a small bowl, the aromas wafted up to my nose, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent.

I sprinkled a bit of the seasoned salt onto a piece of chicken before roasting it in the oven, and the result was nothing short of magical. The flavors were perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of heat and a hint of smokiness. From that moment on, I knew that this seasoned salt would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have perfected the recipe, tweaking the proportions of the spices to suit my own taste. I have used it on everything from grilled vegetables to roasted potatoes, and it never fails to impress. Friends and family members have asked me for the recipe, but I have always kept it a closely guarded secret, knowing that it is something special that I inherited from Aunt Mildred.

I often think back to that day when I first discovered the recipe, and I am filled with gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and honor the memories of those who came before me. Each time I use the seasoned salt, I am reminded of the love and care that went into creating it, and I am grateful for the simple pleasures that good food can bring.

As I sit here now, with a jar of seasoned salt by my side, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in knowing that I have added my own twist to a recipe that has been cherished for generations. I know that someday, I will pass it down to my own grandchildren, along with the stories of how it came to be. And I hope that they will find as much joy and comfort in using it as I have.

In the end, it is not just a seasoning blend, but a symbol of the ties that bind us to our past and the traditions that shape our present. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

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