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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.004.0012.001

Arroz con Pollo II

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0023.001

Arroz con Pollo III

Chicken with rice 8 servings.

RCI-RC.004.0014.001

Arroz con Pollo VI

Arroz con Pollo Means "rice with chicken"; this is a dish made with rice, chicken, tomatoes, green peppers, seasonings and sometimes saffron.

RCI-RC.004.0015.001

Arroz de Coco

Arroz de Coco from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0007.001

Arroz de Coco e Papaia

Rice, papaya, and coconut milk might seem like an odd combination. The mixture is, however, a delicious one.

RCI-RC.004.0016.001

Arroz de Tomate

Arroz de Tomate from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0018.001

Arroz Integral com Manteiga de Amendoim e Bananas

Manteiga brown rice and bananas

RCI-RC.004.0019.001

Arroz Tapado

Arros tapado (Spanish for molded rice) is very popular in Peru and is a favorite among children because the recipe calls for molding rice and minced beef into a shape.

RCI-RC.004.0020.001

Arroz Verde

"Green rice"

RCI-RC.004.0021.001

Arroz y Frijoles Favoritos

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.003.0018.001

Artichoke-Pecan Bread

.

RCI-SC.007.0015.001

Artichoke Relish

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Morgan Estate in Austin, Texas in 1982.

RCI-VG.001.0018.001

Artichoke Salad

Artichoke Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0010.001

Artichoke Squares

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come Into

RCI-SP.004.0014.001

Artichoke Stew

Makes about eight portions.

RCI-VG.001.0021.001

Arugula Salad with Tofu Croutons

.

RCI-ND.004.0001.001

Ashe Reshte (noodle Soup)

Ashe Reshte (noodle Soup) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0012.001

Asiago Cheese Bread

Asiago Cheese Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0009.001

Asian BBQ

Have your butcher freeze the meat slightly to get the right thickness. Be sure to use the highest setting your grill or keep the charcoal at a high temperature. Some fat is okay. This recipe is for 50 servings. Preparing time: 51 hours.

RCI-VG.004.0014.001

Asian Chicken and Cabbage

: 4

Asian Grilled Duck Breasts
RCI-MT.004.0025.001

Asian Grilled Duck Breasts

A Mandarin orange glaze adds a nice charred crust to the duck seasoned with Asian spices.

RCI-VG.001.0025.001

Asian-style Cabbage Salad

Asian-style Cabbage Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0015.001

Asian-style Green Beans with Cashews

Contributed by Healthy R

RCI-VG.004.0018.001

Asparagus and Mushroom Stew

Asparagus and Mushroom Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0013.001

Asparagus and Shrimp Oriental

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Yield: 6 servi

RCI-VG.001.0026.001

Asparagus Salad

Asparagus Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0022.001

Asparagus with Hot Bacon Dressing

Asparagus with Hot Bacon Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0029.001

Asparagus with Walnuts and Vinaigrette

Perfect in springtime, asparagus' natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with this tart vinaigrette.

RCI-VG.004.0024.001

Assorted Vegetables

Assorted Vegetables

RCI-MT.004.0027.001

Atomic Chicken Wings

Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group

Atomic Fudge Cake
RCI-BR.004.0026.001

Atomic Fudge Cake

A delicious chocolate cake recipe.

RCI-VG.004.0025.001

Aubergines en Persillade

.

RCI-DS.001.0031.001

Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding

Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0038.001

Austrian Biscuits

300pxAustran Biscuits

RCI-SP.002.0006.001

Austrian Cream Cheese Soup

1 serving.

RCI-RC.004.0023.001

Authentic Fried Rice

Yield: 4 Servings

RCI-VG.001.0030.001

Avocado and Hearts of Palm Salad

Avocado and Hearts of Palm Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0033.001

Avocado and Wehani Rice Salad

Avocado and Wehani Rice Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0003.001

Avocado Bisque with Tarragon

Avocado Bisque with Tarragon from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0020.001

Avocado Bread

Avocado Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0020.001

Avocado Cajun-spiced Dip

Avocado Cajun-spiced Dip from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0005.001

Avocado Caviar

Makes about 5 cups

RCI-VG.001.0036.001

Avocado Corn Poblano Salad

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

RCI-SF.002.0016.001

Avocado Crab Cakes and Avocado Sauce

Avocado Crab Cakes and Avocado Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0028.001

Avocado Curried Chicken

Avocado Curried Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0009.001

Avocado Dill Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.003.0010.001

Avocado Dressing for Fruit Salads

Lovely dressing for a fruit salad or use this as a dip with corn chips. Time includes the chilling time.

RCI-SC.003.0011.001

Avocado Dressing for Vegetable Salads

This is great to serve as a dip with fresh veggies.

RCI-SN.002.0018.001

Avocado Egg Roll with Spicy Duck Sauce

Yield: 6 Cups of sauce

RCI-DS.001.0032.001

Avocado Flan with Oyster and Corn

Avocado Flan with Oyster and Corn from the Recidemia collection