Mixing fresh rosemary and coarse salt: what is the purpose of this in your dishes?

Do you have a bit too much fresh rosemary on hand? Rather than letting it go to waste at the back of the fridge, you can give it a second life with an ingredient you almost certainly already have in your cupboards: coarse salt. This very simple mixture allows you to make your own flavored salt.

And since both of these condiments are perfectly edible, you can easily add them to your homemade recipes. Italians are already big fans of this combination, as reported by The Splendid Table website.

In what dishes can you use this mixture of fresh rosemary and coarse salt?

Once prepared, this blend can be used in many ways in cooking. It pairs particularly well with potatoes. You can add it to roasted potatoes, sautéed potatoes, or even homemade fries. This blend can also be used to season vegetables. On zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, or grilled vegetables, it adds a subtle herbaceous note that's a nice change from regular salt.

It also works well with meats, especially chicken, pork, or grilled meats. A few pinches before cooking are enough to flavor the dish. And there's no need to reserve this flavored salt for special occasions. It can simply be added to a fried egg, a savory sandwich, or sautéed vegetables. And for a slightly more original use, why not sprinkle it on popcorn?

This combination offers a change from traditional fine salt and gives this little treat a different flavor. The blend can also be used to enhance a cocktail, such as a Bloody Mary. It's a real delight.

To begin, pick the small leaves from several sprigs of fresh rosemary. Rinse them quickly under running water and then dry them thoroughly. Finely chop the rosemary before mixing it with the coarse salt. You can adjust the quantities depending on the desired intensity of flavor. The more rosemary you add, the stronger its aroma will be in the mixture. Once the two ingredients are combined, it's essential to let the mixture dry.

Simply spread it in a thin layer and leave it exposed to the air until all the moisture has evaporated. This step helps preserve the flavored salt and prevents the fresh rosemary from remaining damp in the jar. Once the mixture is completely dry, pour it into an airtight container and store it in a dry place. You can then use it directly from the jar to season your dishes.