Truffles, also known as "black truffles" have a long history as an extremely popular confectionary. Bold and earthy! The term truffle comes from the Latin word "trudelis" meaning "little rock". Salt is what gives truffles their earthy flavor, which is why they're often referred to as rock salt.
They're best served cold. But if you like them hot, just add a little water to the table and stir. When buying your truffle salt, look for one that has a high melting point, which means it maintains its melt-ability. You'll find black truffles on the market made with a neutral quality salt. This seasoning is often used in French cooking, especially in balsamic vinegar or a traditional raspberry jalopy.
There are many ways to enjoy black truffle sea salt. Because it goes great on so many different foods it is often included in vegetarian cooking. You can also use it as a basting agent for meat and fish. It adds a delightful flavor to beans, vegetables, and sauces.
A recipe for black truffles originally called for blackstrap molasses, which is now commonly available on the market as "blackstrap" or "smoky brown" molasses. The original recipe called for cinnamon, but today's versions call for white or light cinnamon. While it is difficult to find pure sea salt that has the same salty flavor as smoked blackstrap molasses, there is a solution. Pure sea salt can be purchased in a pinch of magnesium content, which gives it a slightly bitter taste, which some people don't find undesirable.
Traditionally, black truffle sea salt was used to improve the flavor of eggs, though nowadays it has become more popular with other cuisines. It has a very rich, earthy smell, much like freshly ground cinnamon. Because it is very similar to smoked, aromatic, or cashew nuts, it goes well with sausages, bacon, or ham. For a rich, smoky breakfast, it is great on crackers, pancakes, waffles, or granola bars.
It pairs particularly well with sausages, particularly Italian black truffles. Spices have always been important in Italy, and black pepper is often used in cooking. However, the earthy, smoky flavor of the salt brings out the nutty, flavors better. Another Italian favorite is truffles, and salted or smoked meats are cooked with this salty, earthy flavor. Salted and smoked meats go well together with pan pizza or panini sandwiches, and salted or smoked salmon makes a great fish dish.
It pairs very well with Italian pasta. A baked truffle sandwich with tomato sauce and basil leaves is light and fresh, but pairs well with pasta sauces such as fettuccine Alfredo. Salted or smoked meats are also excellent with zesty marinara sauce on pasta, or with garlic bread. Salted and smoked salmon makes a good fish meal, and salted or black truffles are a classic snack for cheese lovers.
In fact, it pairs very well with almost every food. The earthy flavor is quite unique, and the saltiness is reminiscent of nutmeg. The powerful smoky aroma is very reminiscent of black truffle. These days, the sea salt and black truffle combination are being used in many fine restaurants all around the world, and it's clear why.
It is relatively easy to make your own all-natural sea salt. It's available at your local market, and also in various stores in your area. The important ingredient is a good grade sea salt, which must have a neutral pH level to maintain its all-natural flavor. Also, it should be made with an ingredient that maintains a high percentage of dissolved solids. Many salts contain an element called "salt" that is not all-natural and can actually be harmful to your health if you're not careful.
To make the all-natural sea salt, simply mix some rock salt (which has a neutral pH level) and some sugar. Stir this mixture until it becomes a thick paste-like substance. Now, add some fresh, loose black truffles to this mixture. You will want to keep your truffles covered while they're in the process of baking in the oven or frying on the stove.
Another great way to use truffle salt in your kitchen is to use it in conjunction with fine-grade kosher salt. These two ingredients go great together, creating a highly-flavored alternative to traditional salt, which is sometimes too salty for many tastes. When using kosher salt, make sure to either use a scale that measures quantities in grams (which is easier to read), or purchase a teaspoon measuring tool that will allow you to measure out just the right amount. By combining these two in different combinations, you will create a unique seasoning blend that will bring your favorite dishes to the perfect level of seasoning, without having to resort to using salt shakers or salt graters.