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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-BR.005.0402.001

Mango Revel Bars

Mango Revel Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0165.001

Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0101.001

Mango Salsa I

Mango Salsa I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0171.001

Mango Tango Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0831.001

Maple Beans

Maple Beans is a modification of the standard Baked Beans made throughout much of Europe and North America. This variant is common through south and central Quebec as well as most of Ontario and can be purchased in cans across Canada.

RCI-MT.002.0176.001

Maple-Glazed BBQ Ribs

Maple syrup and pork just sort of seem to be made for each other.

RCI-BV.008.0055.001

Maple Hot Chocolate

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SP.001.0078.001

Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Henry Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1980.

RCI-DS.001.0336.001

Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake

Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0404.001

Maple Raisin Cookies

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.001.0232.001

Maple Syrup Planked Salmon

mixes the hint of sweetness from the maple syrup with the rich smoky flavour imparted from the cedar plank. Using organic ingredients enhances taste, health and the environment. Serves 4.

RCI-VG.002.0080.001

Maple Tarragon Sweet Potatoes

Maple Tarragon Sweet Potatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0097.001

Maple Walnut Biscotti

Purchased from the Wagner Estate in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1990. This one was marked “Joy’s favorite cookie”. Recipe obtained from Vivian at church bake sale in 1977. Actual date unknown.

RCI-BR.004.0333.001

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Nut Cake

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

RCI-MT.001.0157.001

Marco Polo Steak Skillet

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.001.0368.001

Mardi Gras Salad

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.005.0160.001

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0832.001

Marinated Asparagus

Marinated Asparagus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0834.001

Marinated Black Soybean Salad

Marinated Black Soybean Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.003.0028.001

Marinated Carp

In Romanian: Marinata de crap

RCI-MT.004.0562.001

Marinated Chicken Kabobs

Marinated Chicken Kabobs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0372.001

Marinated Cole Slaw

Makes 1 gallon.

RCI-VG.001.0374.001

Marinated Cucumber Salad

Quebecers are big cucumber consumers, whether the cuke is fresh or pickled.

RCI-VG.001.0375.001

Marinated Cucumbers and Onions

This is a nice, light, cooling salad or side dish to have during the hottest summer months. That's when my mother would make it.

RCI-VG.001.0376.001

Marinated Garden Salad

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SF.003.0029.001

Marinated Mackerel

Cuisine of the UK

RCI-SF.001.0234.001

Marinated Salmon with Balsamic

Part of Hopper's entry in Iron Chef SA 028:Balsamic Battle

RCI-VG.005.0115.001

Marinated Tofu with Shiitake Stuffing

Marinated Tofu with Shiitake Stuffing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0837.001

Marinated Vegetables

Marinated Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0378.001

Marinated Vegetable Salad

Makes 8 servings.

Mariscada
RCI-SF.005.0033.001

Mariscada

right|MARISCADA

RCI-BR.004.0336.001

Marmalade Cake

Marmalade Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0205.001

Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew

Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew

RCI-VG.001.0379.001

Maroulosalata

Maroulosalata Lettuce salad

RCI-MT.004.0563.001

Marsala Chicken Scallopini

Marsala Chicken Scallopini is a meal in the style of Italian cuisine, with mouthwatering flavors gotten from the fortified Marsala wine.

RCI-DS.003.0202.001

Marshmallow

This recipe describes how to make home-made Marshmallows. They can be used in any recipe that calls for marshmallows.

RCI-DS.003.0207.001

Martha Stewart's Homemade Marshmallows

Created by Martha Stewart

RCI-BR.005.0406.001

Martian Cookies

Red Cookies from Mars! The red Martian Cookies are a prized possession or recipe, at least on Mars. You can learn how to make them, too. It not require an extreme amount of work to make, and a great project to do with your kids.

RCI-SN.002.0204.001

Maruya

Golden banana fritter known as "maruya" in the Philippines.

RCI-RC.001.0119.001

Marvelous Mushroom Pilaf with Walnuts

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.001.0155.001

Mary Capp Bowan's Paska

Russian Easter bread Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

RCI-SF.005.0034.001

Maryland Crab-Corn Stew

This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 6

RCI-MT.004.0564.001

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.005.0407.001

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0842.001

Masamba

This recipe may be prepared with kale, spinach, collards or pumpkin leaves.

RCI-DS.004.0178.001

Mascarpone Glazed Strawberries

Mascarpone Glazed Strawberries from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0069.001

Mascarpone Mac N' Cheese

Folding in unsweetened whipped cream makes it light and airy.

RCI-VG.005.0116.001

Maschi

Stuffed tomato with Chopped (ground) Beef. ). The cucumbers are peeled, cut lengthwise, scooped out, filled and finished as below. You may also use Eggplants. Peel small Eggplants, remove the tops, scoop out interiors and proceed in the same manner.

RCI-VG.004.0843.001

Mashed Eggplant

This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.002.0083.001

Mashed Potato and Carrot Casserole

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