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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.004.0208.001

Oyster Jambalaya

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SF.002.0190.001

Oysters in Blankets

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.002.0191.001

Oysters Meltzerenfuego

This came from Playa Juncalito in Baja California Sur.

RCI-SF.002.0193.001

Oyster Stew

An easy oyster stew recipe made with milk and oysters and butter and worcestershire sauce. Serves 8 to 10.

RCI-SF.002.0195.001

Oyster Stew with Tomatoes and Rice

This is a unique and delicious version of the traditional oyster stew

RCI-VG.004.0989.001

Paav Bhaaji

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-MT.001.0188.001

Pabellon Criollo

1 Serving

RCI-MT.001.0189.001

Pabellón criollo

is Venezuela's national dish and no visit to this South American country will be complete unless you try it. This flavorful dish consists of shredded flank steak, black beans, rice, plantains or bananas, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Paczki
RCI-BR.001.0185.002

Paczki

Paczki (Polish Donuts)

RCI-VG.004.0991.001

Pado'lalo'

Spicy coconut eggplant

RCI-RC.001.0146.001

Paella Casserole

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0210.001

Paella Salad II

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0211.001

Paella Salad III

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0478.001

Pae Pya Khao

Pae Pya Khao (Fried tofu) is an excellent appetizer or a side dish for vegetarians. It’s also best served with bread. Serves 4 people.

RCI-MT.004.0623.001

Pakistani Chicken with Rice

Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.006.0235.001

Paklava II

Paklava II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0197.001

Pakon Char Poat Koun

Stir-fry Shrimp with shiitake mushroom and baby corn is delicious. It is one of the recipes that my family cooks on special occasions.

Pakora
RCI-SN.002.0230.001

Pakora

right|Pakora

RCI-SP.005.0182.001

Palak Panir

Spinach with fresh cheese. Women in India make their own fresh cheese. Paneer is now more widely available or you can substitute Ricotta.

RCI-SP.004.0241.001

Pa Ling Sousi Haeng

Pa Ling Sousi Haeng from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0995.001

Palm Oil Beans

Palm Oil Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0184.001

Palta Rellenos

Palta Rellenos from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0116.001

Paluszki

Paluszki

RCI-SP.001.0097.001

PanadlSuppe

bread rolls

RCI-SF.002.0198.001

Panama Angels on Horseback

Panama Angels on Horseback from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0305.001

Panama Banana Bread

Panama Banana Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0078.001

Panamanian Fried Bread

Panamanian Fried Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0079.001

Panamanian Fried Bread I

Panamanian Fried Bread I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0392.001

Panamanian Mango Pudding

Panamanian Mango Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0191.001

Panama Ropa Vieja

Panama Ropa Vieja from the Recidemia collection

Pancake
RCI-BR.008.0148.001

Pancake

Pancakes are a type of flatbread.

RCI-BR.008.0149.001

Pancake mix

This mix will save you from having to eat creosote-flavored instant pancakes for breakfast.

RCI-BR.008.0153.001

Pancakes (Vegan)

Pancakes (Vegan) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0471.001

Pan Cookie Sundae Treat

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 35 Square

RCI-BR.003.0306.001

Pan de Banano

Pan de Platano

RCI-BR.001.0187.001

Pan de Batata

Pan de Batata from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0307.001

Pan de Maiz

Pan de Maiz from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0308.001

Panderos

Panderos

RCI-VG.005.0140.001

Pandjar Tourshi

Pickled Swiss chard

RCI-SP.005.0184.001

Paneer in Cashew Sauce

The literal translation of Shahi Paneer is ‘Royal Paneer’…very appropriate – A dish fit for a king. The richness of the sauce comes from the cashews. Serves 6.

RCI-SP.005.0185.001

Paneer Matar Makhani

Cottage cheese in a yoghurt sauce

RCI-BR.002.0080.001

Paneer Parathas

Parathas stuffed with cottage dheese

RCI-VG.004.0997.001

Paneer Shimla Mirch

Cottage cheese with peppers

RCI-BR.001.0188.001

Pani Popo

Pani Popo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0230.001

Pani-Puri Masala

= Description = Pani means water Puri is small ping-pong ball sized, deep fried, puffed breads, also called gol gappa or puchkas The mix is a blend of flavored water

RCI-VG.004.0998.001

Panissa

– there is also an original Italian one. What is referred to as Panissa in Italy nowadays is more akin to the Gibraltarian 'Calentita'. My grandmother always used to make Panissas on the same day she made Minestra as a light second course.

RCI-BR.008.0156.001

Pannekoeken

The Dutch recipe for pancakes. Please note that in the Netherlands pancakes are both eaten as a meal, and as a dessert. Dutch pancakes are lighter to the stomach than American pancakes, allowing you to eat more.

RCI-SF.001.0264.001

Pan-sautéed Catfish Fillets with Parsley-Pecan Sauce

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-MT.004.0626.001

Pan Seared Filet Mignon

Tender filet mignon crusted with a blend of spices and seared in a cast iron pan.

RCI-SF.001.0266.001

Pan-seared Salmon with Julienned Nectarines and Avocados

Makes 4 servings.