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salt

CondimentsYear-round

Salt provides essential sodium and chloride minerals critical for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and electrolyte balance, though dietary moderation is recommended due to health associations with excessive sodium intake.

About

Salt is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), essential for human physiological function and one of the oldest food preservation and flavoring agents known to civilization. Extracted through evaporation of seawater, mineral deposits, or underground salt mines, salt exists in multiple crystalline forms ranging from fine powder to large mineral nuggets. The main types include sea salt, rock salt (halite), kosher salt, and specialty salts such as Himalayan pink salt and fleur de sel, each with distinct grain sizes, mineral compositions, and textural properties that influence their culinary applications.

Culinary Uses

Salt serves as the primary flavor enhancer and seasoning across virtually all culinary traditions, enhancing natural flavors, suppressing bitterness, and balancing sweetness. Beyond its seasoning role, salt functions as a critical preservative through curing, brining, and dry-salting techniques in charcuterie, seafood preservation, and fermented foods. In baking and cooking, salt regulates gluten development, controls fermentation rates, and aids texture formation in breads, pastas, and cured meats. Different salt varieties—coarse kosher salt for finishing, fleur de sel for delicate garnish, and fine sea salt for baking—provide textural variation and mineral complexity to refined preparations.

Used In

Recipes Using salt (6,202)

RCI-SP.004.0316.001

Turlitava

Turlitava from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0332.001

Turner Estate Salad Seasoning

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Turner Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1997.

RCI-BR.005.0637.001

Turtle Cookies

Purchased from Betik Estate in Waxahachie, Texas in 1998. Dated 1922. Indicates this was a $25,000 winner in the Pillsbury Cookoff in 1953.

RCI-VG.002.0197.001

Tuscan Roast Potatoes

This is great served with grilled steak, roast chicken, or vegetable sauté.

RCI-SP.003.0705.001

Tuscan Soup (Meatless)

(Meatless) Tuscan Soup

RCI-VG.004.1469.001

Tuscany Rice and Bean Soup

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0579.001

Tutti-Fruitti Rice Custard

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-VG.002.0199.001

Twice-baked Potatoes I

Twice Baked Potatoes from the Wikibooks cookbook

RCI-BR.006.0357.001

Twisted Zucchini Pie

Twisted Zucchini Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1472.001

Two-chile Green Rice

Two-chile Green Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0300.001

Two-pepper Shrimp

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * 4 servings

RCI-SN.001.0421.002

Tzatziki

300px

RCI-SN.001.0421.001

Tzatziki

300px

RCI-RC.005.0090.001

Ugali

Ugali is a staple dish in Kenya - a porridge-like starch made with maize meal (corn).

RCI-SP.004.0317.001

Ugandan Chicken Stew

This chicken stew illustrates the differences in seasonings in various parts of East Africa. This one, rather bland, is from Uganda; an other, hot version is from Tanzania.

RCI-BR.001.0277.001

Ugandan Kabobs

Ugandan Kabobs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0116.001

Ugandan Vegetable Casserole

The variations possible with this colorful vegetable casserole are endless. Either make it with the vegetables listed here or substitute your own favorites.

RCI-SN.002.0299.001

Ukoy

Shrimp, tofu and beansprout fritters served with vinegar and garlic dip.

Ukrainian Christmas Kutya
RCI-RC.005.0093.001

Ukrainian Christmas Kutya

right|Ukrainian Christmas Kutya

RCI-EG.003.0154.001

Ukrainian Cornmeal Stuffing (Nachynka)

in Ukrainian literally means stuffing. This dish is usually not stuffed inside anything, but served as a side dish.

RCI-SN.003.0285.001

Ukrainian Corn Salad

right|Ukrainian Corn Salad

RCI-SN.003.0286.001

Ukrainian Corn Salad I

right|Ukrainian Corn Salad

RCI-SF.001.0393.001

Ukrainian Fish Salad

Ukrainian Fish Salad

RCI-BR.005.0638.001

Ultimate Brownies

Makes about 36 brownies.

RCI-MT.005.0325.001

Ultimate Burger

Ultimate Burger from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0424.001

Ultimate Mexican Guacamole

Ultimate Mexican Guacamole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0539.001

Ultimate Peanut Butter Cake

Looking for the ultimate in peanut butter and chocolate? Look no further - this cake will satisfy the best of both worlds. Rich in peanut butter with a moist, flaky crumb, this cake tastes best when it's still slightly warm.

RCI-SP.003.0708.001

Ultimate Vegetarian Chilli

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RCI-BR.004.0540.001

Ultra-Rich Chocolate Cake

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RCI-VG.004.1475.001

Umngqusho

Umngqusho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0211.001

Uncle Gordo's Belgian Waffles

Purchased from Neeley Estate in Waxahachie, Texas in 1994. Dated 1947.

RCI-SC.007.0335.001

Uncooked Cilantro Chutney

A spicy tropical relish for any vegetable, potato or curry. Source: © 2000 Dr.

RCI-SP.003.0710.001

Unique Healthy Chili

* Source: www.sparkpeople.com submitted by SparkPeople user LONGWAY2GO. * Number of Servings: 6

RCI-VG.002.0203.001

Unique Potato Salad

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Manes Estate in Venus, Texas in 1981.

RCI-SC.007.0336.001

Unique Sandwich Spread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Williams Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1994.

RCI-MT.001.0296.001

U Ponnya's Nwa Mee Hinga

U Ponnya's Nwa mee Hinga (Burmese Oxtail and Watercress Soup) has an unconventional flavor due to the combination of oxtail and watercress. Serves 4 people.

RCI-DS.001.0582.001

Upside Down Cherry Pudding

Upside Down Cherry Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0711.001

USDA Beef Stew

Beef stew is a thrifty, tasty and tummy warming dish perfect for a cold day. Enjoy the stew with some homemade biscuits or corn bread.

RCI-BR.003.0424.001

USDA Biscuit Mix

* Source: "USDA Home and Garden Bulletin #244" * Formatted / posted by "Sandy McClure <sandyklaws@..

RCI-VG.001.0634.001

USDA Coleslaw

Humble cabbage becomes coleslaw when mixed with salad dressing and other tasty ingredients.

RCI-BR.003.0425.001

USDA Muffins

From: Breads, Cakes and Pies in Family Meals Serves: 12 (makes 12 medium-size muffins) Calories per muffin: About 150

RCI-RC.001.0227.001

Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf

Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0312.001

Valencia Rice (Nicaragua)

Valencia Rice (Nicaragua) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0639.001

Valentine French Kisses

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-BR.004.0541.001

Valentine Heart Cake

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-DS.002.0192.001

Valentine Meringue Hearts

Valentine Meringue Hearts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0313.001

Valentine's Day Microwave Fudge

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.004.0542.001

Valentine's Heart Cake

Valentine's Heart Cake Yield: 4 servings, 1 eight-inch cake

RCI-RC.001.0228.001

Vangibhat

Vangibhat from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0358.001

Vanilla Blueberry Tart

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group. This Y-group is