Best Saffron Salt Recipes

SALT COD FRITTERS WITH SAFFRON ALLIOLI

Steps:

• Put the salt cod in a saucepan with enough water to cover it and add a bay leaf. Bring to just under the boil, take the pan off the heat, put a lid on it and leave to sit for 10 mins. Lift the fish out onto a plate, reserving the cooking water. Flake the cod, removing the skin. Cook the potatoes in the salt cod cooking water until tender, about 12 mins depending on size. Drain, then put a clean tea towel over the pan, cover and leave for 5 mins or so (this helps the potatoes dry out a bit).
• Bring 300ml water and the olive oil to the boil in a saucepan. Take the pan off the heat and immediately add the flour in a slow stream, whisking (use a balloon whisk) as you do so. You will end up with a batter, if it is a little lumpy, beat it hard. Leave to cool for about 5 mins. Beat in the eggs, a little at a time, until you have a smooth mixture - you need to beat hard.
• Mash the potatoes with the salt cod, garlic, parsley, lemon juice and seasoning (even though you are using salt cod, this needs good seasoning). Beat the mixture into the batter, then cook over a low heat for about 8 mins, stirring all the time. The mixture should thicken considerably and come away from the sides of the pan. Put in a bowl, cover and leave to cool completely. Form the mixture into balls, bigger than walnuts but not as big as golf balls.
• To make the allioli, gently heat the lemon juice and vinegar in a small pan. Add the saffron, stir to help it dissolve and leave it to sit for 15 mins. Put the garlic on a chopping board and, using salt as an abrasive, crush them to a paste. Put the egg yolks and garlic in a bowl. Using an electric whisk, slowly add the olive oil a drop at a time. As the mixture starts to thicken, you can increase the quantity. Gradually add the saffron mixture, then taste and season (the seasoning and how much lemon juice you use is really important).
• Heat the oil in a deep saucepan (fill it no more than a third full) until it reaches 190C on a thermometer or a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds. Deep-fry the balls, in batches, for 4 mins, or until deep golden. Drain on a double layer of kitchen paper and serve hot with the allioli and lemon wedges.

ARCTIC CHAR IN SALT CRUST WITH SAFFRON AIOLI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Trim the fins from the Arctic char. Place the chives, parsley, lemon slices, rosemary, and lemon zest into the cavity of the fish.
• Whip the egg whites and cold water with a whisk until they form light peaks. Add the kosher salt and mix well with your hands. The texture should be like damp sand. Invert a baking sheet, the length of which is 2-inches greater than the fish, and spread 3 cups of the salt mixture on the baking sheet as big as the outline of the fish.
• Place the fish on top of the salt and cover completely with the remaining 6 cups of salt (you may not need all the salt). The salt should be at least 1/2-inch thick all around the fish. Bake for 25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 140 degrees F is reached.
• Let the fish rest for 5 minutes. Crack the salt with a rolling pin and remove the chunks of salt. Peel back the skin and remove the fish from the bones. Serve with Saffron Aioli.
• In a food processor combine the egg, lemon juice, garlic, and mustard. Puree until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• While the food processor is running slowly, pour in the vegetable oil. The mixture will thicken as it emulsifies. Add the saffron, kosher salt, and orange zest. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

SAFFRON SALT

Steps:

• In clean spice or coffee grinder, pulse together salt, saffron and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) water until vibrant yellow with a few saffron threads intact.
• Store in dark glass or nonreactive airtight container in cool dark place for up to 1 month.

SAFFRON-FENNEL SALT

Steps:

• Toast the fennel seeds in a dry skillet until they are fragrant.
• Using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, finely grind the orange peel and chile. Add the fennel and grind until the seeds are coarsely ground. Blend the fennel mixture with the saffron and salt. Store in an airtight container.

SAFFRON SALT

Steps:

• In clean spice or coffee grinder, pulse together salt, saffron and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) water until vibrant yellow with a few saffron threads intact.
• Store in dark glass or nonreactive airtight container in cool dark place for up to 1 month.