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Zesty Jalapeño Salt

Zesty Jalapeño Salt

A vibrant, homemade seasoning that combines the heat of fresh jalapeños with bold sea salt and a hint of citrusy zest, perfect for spicing up various dishes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 small jar (approximately ½ cup)
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 5

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 pieces fresh jalapeños (adjust for spice level)
  • ½ cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 tsp lime zest (optional for an extra zing) Use fresh for optimal flavor.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional) Use according to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and thoroughly dry your jalapeños.
  2. Slice them thinly into rounds, removing seeds if you want less heat.
  3. Optionally, you can deseed and dice finely for a more uniform texture.
Drying
  1. You have two options for drying: Oven Method or Air-Dry.
  2. For Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Lay jalapeño slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours or until completely dry and brittle. Flip halfway for even drying.
  3. For Air-Dry or Dehydrator: Use a food dehydrator set to 135°F for 4-6 hours, or let them air-dry in a warm, dry space for a day or two.
Mixing
  1. Once jalapeños are dried, crush them using a spice grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle.
  2. Mix with your salt, lime zest, and garlic powder until fully combined.
Storage
  1. Store your zesty jalapeño salt in an airtight container or spice jar.
  2. Keep in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Notes

Use fresh jalapeños and zest for optimal flavor. Customize the heat by adjusting the number of seeds used.