Giada Smoky Fennel Salt

With only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes are all it takes to make this flavorful and versatile Giada’s Smoky Fennel Salt blend. Mix the ground spices with flaked salt, and you’re done. Prepared using fennel pollen, smoked paprika, flaked salt, and a touch of creativity for a gourmet seasoning that elevates any dish.

Recipe Ingredients

2 teaspoons of fennel pollen or fennel seeds
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
½ cup of flaked salt, such as fleur de sel

How To Make Giada Smoky Fennel Salt

Grind the Spices: Start by using a mortar and pestle or a small spice grinder to grind the fennel pollen (or fennel seeds) and smoked paprika together until they’re finely blended.
Mix with Salt: In a small bowl, stir the ground spice mixture into the flaked salt, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Store in Style: Transfer your smoky fennel salt to an airtight container to keep it fresh and fragrant. It will last for weeks, ready to sprinkle over your favorite dishes!

Recipe Tips

Adjust Saltiness: Use flaked salt like fleur de sel for a delicate crunch, or swap it with kosher salt for a subtler flavor profile and better control over saltiness.
Enhance Smokiness: Add a pinch of smoked sea salt to intensify the smoky paprika flavor for dishes like grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Try Alternative Spices: Replace fennel pollen with ground coriander or caraway seeds for a slightly different aromatic twist in the salt blend.
Boost Shelf Life: Store your smoky fennel salt in a dark, cool spot to prevent the aromatic oils from degrading, ensuring maximum flavor retention.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I Use Regular Table Salt Instead of Flaked Salt?

Yes, but the texture will differ. Table salt is finer, so reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the blend.

How Do I Substitute Fennel Pollen?

If you can’t find fennel pollen, use fennel seeds. Toast them lightly before grinding to enhance their flavor.

Can I Make This Salt Less Smoky?

Simply reduce the amount of smoked paprika by half or use a mild paprika instead for a subtler smoky taste.

Is This Salt Vegan and Gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

What Dishes Pair Best With Smoky Fennel Salt?

It’s perfect for seasoning roasted potatoes, grilled salmon, or even sprinkled over buttered popcorn for a gourmet touch.

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Recipe by Giada De LaurentiisCourse: Side DishCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

kcal

Ingredients

2 teaspoons of fennel pollen or fennel seeds
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
½ cup of flaked salt, such as fleur de sel

Directions

Grind the Spices: Start by using a mortar and pestle or a small spice grinder to grind the fennel pollen (or fennel seeds) and smoked paprika together until they’re finely blended.
Mix with Salt: In a small bowl, stir the ground spice mixture into the flaked salt, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Store in Style: Transfer your smoky fennel salt to an airtight container to keep it fresh and fragrant. It will last for weeks, ready to sprinkle over your favorite dishes!

Nutrition Facts

24 servings per container

Amount Per ServingCalories1
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.05g 1%
- Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 467mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 0.5g 1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g 1%
- Sugars 0.1g
Protein 0.1g 1%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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