There’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own seasonings from scratch. It’s not just about the taste—though that’s a significant part—it’s about the connection you feel to the ingredients and the dishes you prepare with them. Homemade garlic salt is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of DIY seasonings. It’s simple, versatile, and infinitely better than anything you can buy off a shelf.
To make homemade garlic salt, you’ll need just two ingredients: garlic and salt. The process involves drying thinly sliced garlic, then blending it with salt until you achieve a fine, flavorful powder.
This standalone answer marks the beginning of our exploration into homemade garlic salt, a seasoning that promises to transform your cooking with its robust flavor and simplicity. Let’s dive deeper into the process, understand its benefits, and learn how to best utilize this homemade marvel in your culinary creations.
The Magic of Two Ingredients
The beauty of homemade garlic salt lies in its simplicity. The two ingredients you need are:
- Garlic: The star of the show, garlic adds depth and warmth to the salt. For the best results, use fresh garlic cloves.
- Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt are excellent choices for their clean, crisp flavor.
Garbanzos and Quinoa with Fried Brown Rice Stir Fry
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Rinse the brown rice, quinoa, and garbanzos thoroughly.
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Sauté vegetables
In a large skillet, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced red pepper, chopped carrot, and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
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Add Rice and Water
Add the rinsed brown rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour enough water into the skillet to cover the rice and vegetables entirely. Add the drained garbanzos to the mix.
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Cook and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
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Let It Rest
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Serve and enjoy
Fluff the rice mixture with a fork and serve it hot. For an added touch, garnish with fresh lettuce leaves for a burst of freshness and crunch.
Serving Size 1/4
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 330kcal
- Calories from Fat 60kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Potassium 480mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Why Go Homemade?
Making your own garlic salt has several advantages:
- Flavor: Homemade garlic salt is fresher, more pungent, and has a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
- Control: You control the ratio of garlic to salt, the coarseness of the blend, and can ensure there are no unwanted additives.
- Satisfaction: There’s a unique joy in using seasonings you’ve made yourself, adding a personal touch to your dishes.
Creative Uses in the Kitchen
Homemade garlic salt is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ways you can use it to enhance your cooking:
- Seasoning for Meats and Vegetables: It’s perfect for adding a quick burst of flavor to meats and roasted vegetables.
- Homemade Spice Blends: Use it as a base for creating your own spice mixes.
- Finishing Salt: Sprinkle it over dishes before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Salt
- Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your garlic and salt, the better the final product will be.
- Proper Storage: Keeping your garlic salt in an airtight container will help maintain its potency over time.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional flavors, such as herbs or a pinch of chili powder, to create a custom blend.
Conclusion: A Gateway to DIY Seasonings
Homemade garlic salt is more than just a seasoning; it’s a gateway to exploring the world of DIY culinary creations. It encourages you to take control of what goes into your food, experiment with flavors, and ultimately, enjoy the process of cooking even more. By starting with something as simple and essential as garlic salt, you open up a world of possibilities for enhancing your meals and becoming more connected with your cooking.
As you venture into making your own seasonings, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. Each batch of homemade garlic salt is an opportunity to refine your technique, adjust flavors to your liking, and add a personal touch to your favorite dishes. So, embrace the process, and let your culinary creativity flourish.
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