How to make flaky salt (like Maldon or Jacobsen’s flakes!) at home with just cheap kosher salt, a saucepan, and 4 methods of dehydration! Use this method to transform your salt into fancy salt flakes; plain and infused (chili salt, saffron salt, etc.)
These salt flakes are a great way to artificially reproduce the naturally occurring process that creates “fleur de sel” type salt flakes. Fleur de sel is a salt that forms a very thin and delicate crust over the surface layer of seawater as it evaporates. Likewise, this flaky salt DIY takes advantage of the process of evaporation for both plain and infused salt you can make at home.
All you need to do for this process is dissolve the salt in water, then slowly dehydrate the water to recrystallize the salt with one of four methods: air drying, dehydrator, oven, or stove-top!
In most of Nigella’s recipes she offers the alternative of using regular free flowing table or pouring salt instead of salt flakes. If you use pouring salt instead of salt flakes then you need to use half the quantity, eg. if the recipe states 1/2 teaspoon salt flakes then use 1/4 teaspoon pouring salt.
Step 2: Transfer the saltwater to a wide dish
Once the salt is fully dissolved, and the water is clear again, it’s time to transfer it to another dish. Use a large, wide, shallow dish for the best results, like a large baking dish. Alternatively, you can use multiple dishes.
Avoid using metal containers that can corrode with long exposures to water. I recommend using either glass or ceramic.
If you want to make colored/flavored salts, then now is the time to do so. I made three options using turmeric powder (very light-yellow results), saffron (light orange/yellow results), and chili flakes (dark orange).
For the saffron version, I first crushed the saffron into smaller pieces before adding it to the water.
Step 1: Dissolve the salt
First, combine the salt and water in a large pot and heat over medium-low heat.
Bring the mixture to a soft boil, often stirring until all the salt dissolves and the water is clear again.
You may need to add a little extra water to the pot if the salt doesn’t dissolve fully – but be aware that you need to fill a container/tray with this water, so don’t add too much.
Be aware that if you use pink rock salt, then it will take much longer to evaporate. Don’t add any extra water, to begin with – just allow them to simmer for longer. Then, if the last of the rocks won’t completely dissolve, a little extra water can help.
Mayo Clinic Minute – Are you using a salt substitute?
FAQ
Can you turn table salt into flaky salt?
What is another name for flake salt?
Is flake salt the same as kosher salt?
What can I substitute for sea salt flakes?
Here we will discuss five substitutions for sea salt flakes that you can use in the kitchen: table salt, pink Himalayan salt, garlic salt, smoked sea salts, and celery salts. So go ahead and try any one of these amazing options in your kitchen experiments. What is Sea Salt Flake?
What is the best store bought salt substitute?
If you are cutting down your sodium intake, you can switch to spices which have additional beneficial effects on health. Cinnamon is a spice that can be used instead of salt. You can use ground cinnamon or whole cinnamon which you can cut into small pieces. All types of onions, such as onions, garlic, or onions can also be a substitute for salt because they are very useful for providing a delicious and delicious taste in food. Chili can also be used as a spice instead of salt, because chili can strengthen the taste of food and make food savory.
What is a good substitute for salt?
The fresh taste of dill, with hints of celery and fennel, makes it a flavorful alternative to salt. Dill is an especially good substitute in dishes with fish, potatoes, and cucumbers. You can sprinkle it on top of salmon, use it as the main seasoning in potato salad, or add it to lemon or lime juice for fish dishes. 5. Dried onion or onion powder
Can I substitute cayenne pepper for sea salt flakes?
When using cayenne pepper salt as a substitution for sea salt flakes, you should use far less than the amount of regular sea salt flakes (usually 1/4 teaspoon per teaspoon of regular sea salt). In addition, be sure to adjust the amount according to your own personal spice preference.