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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-RC.004.0074.001

Chili Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-RC.004.0075.001

Chili Rice and Franks

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0183.001

Chili Verde

Pork Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe : 8

RCI-SP.006.0011.001

Chilled Avocado Soup

Source: The Great Hot Sauce Book by Jennifer Trainer Thompson * Yields: 8 servings

RCI-VG.005.0041.001

Chilled Beet and Raspberry Soup

This recipe comes from an Estate Sale and were obtained when The Family Collection from The Wetzel Estate in Plano, Texas was purchased in 1982.

RCI-SP.004.0103.001

Chilled California Avocado Gazpacho

Chilled California Avocado Gazpacho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0013.001

Chilled Carrot and Mango Soup

Chilled Carrot and Mango Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0144.001

Chilled Cucumber, Cilantro and Mint Salad

Chilled Cucumber, Cilantro and Mint Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0284.001

Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette

Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0017.001

Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup

With all of the spices of North Africa, thia tradtional appetizer is delicious and really simple to make.

RCI-VG.004.0287.001

Chillie Paneer

Cottage cheese in a thick soya sauce

RCI-MT.004.0265.001

Chimichurri Chicken Strips

Chimichurri Chicken Strips Lemony, garlicky and lots of parsley! This is a delicious marinade that is typically used on beef, but its flavors make it outstanding on chicken or seafood.

RCI-SC.005.0026.001

Chimichurri with Chili

Chimichurri with Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0104.001

Chimole

Chimole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0133.001

Chinese Almond Cookies

Makes 30 - 35 cookies.

RCI-DS.001.0127.001

Chinese Banana Pudding

This is a recipe that's been handed down from my Grandmother. My whole family loves it and we all grew up on it! " Original recipe yield: 1 9x13-inch dish.

RCI-VG.004.0291.001

Chinese Cabbage Soup

The quick to make chinese dish is sought after by many for good reason. You won't regret trying out this delicious meal.

RCI-VG.001.0146.001

Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0042.001

Chinese Chicken-stuffed Peppers

Chinese Chicken-stuffed Peppers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0269.001

Chinese chicken with walnuts

Chinese chicken with walnuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0186.001

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

Description

RCI-VG.004.0293.001

Chinese Mapo Tofu

This homestyle Chinese dish is spicy, savory and easy to prepare. It's the ultimate comfort food and a childhood favorite for those of us who grew up in Chinese households. Feel free to make it your own by adding vegetables or other ingredients.

RCI-SN.005.0005.001

Chinese Mushrooms

Chinese Mushrooms from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0032.001

Chinese New Year Noodles

Chinese New Year Noodles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0077.001

Chinese New Year Sweet Rice

This is a traditional Chinese sweet rice recipe that is usually served for the Chinese New Year. This recipe was handed down to me from my dad who liked to eat this alone as a main dish, so it's a little heartier than most other sweet rice recipes.

RCI-SN.003.0088.001

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake

This recipe is handed down from my mom's mom. This is NOT a dessert (not sweet), but more like a 'quick bread' for the Chinese.

RCI-MT.005.0056.001

Chinese Pork Hash

Pork Hash

RCI-SP.001.0023.001

Chinese Rice Soup

Chinese Rice Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0295.001

Chinese Rice with Vegetables

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SF.002.0061.001

Chinese Shrimp Balls

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 30 – 32

RCI-ND.007.0020.001

Chinese Steamed Buns with Meat Filling

This Chinese Steamed bun recipe has a meat and vegetable filling. The filling is best if allowed to rest in the refrigerator overnight. Use meat that is half fat and half flesh for the most tender filling.

RCI-BR.002.0026.001

Chinese-style Pancake with Green Onion

Makes 15 pieces

RCI-VG.004.0298.001

Chinese-style Sautéed Tofu

Serves 4 to 6.

RCI-EG.004.0015.001

Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs

Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0300.001

Chinese Vegetables a la Florida

Chinese Vegetables a la Florida from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0068.001

Chipotle BBQ Rub

This rub is great on pork, steak, fish, and chicken.

RCI-VG.001.0151.001

Chipotle Chicken Salad

This is from epicurious and it's simply fabulous! Super easy as it starts with a store bought cooked chicken. by Annacia © 2007 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved.

RCI-SP.003.0187.001

Chipotle Chili

See the chili con carne entry for more on the history of chili. This is a variation on the theme which includes sweet peppers, chipotles, leftover grilled hamburgers, and beer.

RCI-SN.001.0119.001

Chipotle Dip

This is also great as a dip to spice up garlic bread, or a spread on burger buns.

RCI-SF.001.0089.001

Chipotle Fish n' Chips

Chipotles add a Southwestern smoky heat to otherwise normal fish n' chips.

RCI-MT.004.0273.002

Chipotle Fried Chicken

Chipotle Fried Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0273.001

Chipotle Fried Chicken

Chipotle Fried Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0092.001

Chipotle Lime Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips cost way more than tortillas, but when they get home, they end up looking like Earth after Mars hits it.

RCI-MT.002.0077.001

Chipotle Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is at it's best when quickly cooked on the grill.

RCI-VG.002.0031.001

Chips Cheese and Gravy

Chips, cheese and gravy is a popular fast food in the Isle of Man and is a common menu in many takeaway restaurants.

RCI-VG.004.0301.001

Choc

Choc from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0126.001

Chocolate Almond Torte

10 to 12 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0127.001

Chocolate-Amaretto Cheesecake

Chocolate-Amaretto Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0050.001

Chocolate and Banana Bread

Chocolate and Banana Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0136.001

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Crescents

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Crescents from the Recidemia collection