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Thai Chili Salt 2

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Thai Chili Salt 2

Thai Chili Salt 2 is a pantry staple found in homes across Thailand, where it transforms simple meals with its fiery kick. Often prepared in advance and stored for convenience, this blend is a go-to seasoning for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. It shares space on the kitchen shelf with other essential condiments, ready to be sprinkled over anything from grilled meats to fresh fruits, delivering a burst of flavor that enlivens everyday dishes.

The taste is a vibrant medley of heat and depth, with chili flakes providing a robust spice that's balanced by the savory notes of sea salt and garlic powder. Cumin adds a subtle earthiness, rounding out the blend to create a full-bodied seasoning. With a pinch, it elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, making it an indispensable component of the Thai culinary experience.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbspchili flakes
  • 2 tbspfine sea salt
  • 1 tbspgarlic powder
  • 1 tspcumin

Method

  1. Place a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of chili flakes and 1 teaspoon of cumin to the skillet. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent burning. Toast until the chili flakes darken slightly and the cumin releases a warm, nutty aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately transfer the toasted spices to a plate to cool. This prevents any residual heat from continuing to cook the spices, which could lead to bitterness.
  3. Once the spices are completely cool to the touch, combine them with 2 tablespoons of fine sea salt and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind or mix until the blend is uniform in texture, ensuring the salt is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  4. Transfer the Thai Chili Salt 2 to an airtight container. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from entering, which can degrade the spices.
  5. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to preserve the vibrant flavors. Use within a few months to enjoy the best aroma and taste.
Cover of Authentic Thai Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Thai Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Thai Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Thai volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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