If you are a fan of salty foods, you are already familiar with the rich seasoning that is known as "black truffles". In fact, it has been called so many things over the years such as "truffle salt", "salt puddings" and even "sea salt". It is one of those special little known seasoning secrets that many people like to know about, but few actually know how to get or make them. Today we will take a look at how to make black truffle salt, and why it is considered a classic seasoning that should be in every pantry and kitchen.
The black truffle sea salt is also Known As Bianco Truffles, or simply Truffle. It is a very salty form of salt produced in the Alps. The flavor and texture closely resemble that of Provolone, which is a type of cheese that is well known for its piquant flavor and distinctive smell. Other ingredients commonly used in creating black truffle salt include garnishing such as fennel seeds, nuts, and/or dried fruit slices.
There are two varieties of black truffles that you can find on the market today. These are aged cheeses that have been aged between four and twelve months. They come in many different colors and a variety of flavors from an array of cheeses. The older they are, the darker the color and the deeper the color the flavor will be. The flavors are usually soft and mild, with a slightly nutty, earthy, or spicy undertone.
You can use this wonderful product either as a table salt or for baking. Most often it is placed on top of or under meats that are baked, such as lasagna, to draw out the natural flavor. You can also make a glaze with truffle salt and fondant by mixing it with butter, then working it into small areas of your fondant, then filling and smoothing the fondant with a pastry brush. This glaze makes a beautiful decorative layer that coats your baked goods.
Black truffles can also be used on pasta dishes, however, you need to be careful not to overdo it. Since the flavor is so earthy, any additional spices added to the pasta may overwhelm the actual taste of the cheese. Adding sage leaves to your pasta sauce will bring out the flavor of the cheese and serve as an additional flavoring. Sage leaves are available at most specialty food stores and can also be purchased online.
For a delicious and flavorful pasta dish, try Alfredo sauce with sage leaves on top. Make the sauce using olive oil, butter and a pinch of salt and drop the leaves into the sauce. Thin it out with some water and continue to stir constantly until the pasta is fully coated with the oil and sage is fully coated with the truffle salt. Cook the pasta in high heat for about two minutes and enjoy while it is still warm.
Another way to enjoy this savory appetizer is to make a creamy cauliflower cheese with one half a cup of olive oil, sage leaves, one half a cup of chopped mushrooms, and four to five tablespoons of chopped baby carrots. Using a food processor or a blender, puree the cheese until smooth. Place the puree into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients and heat in a high heat for about two minutes.
Truffles are not only for special occasions. They are also wonderful for everyday use! With pasta and vegetables in your diet, you do not have to count calories or obsess over portion control. A great way to enjoy the flavors of mushrooms in a new way is to use them in the form of a pasta sauce. A rich tomato-based red sauce made with sauteed mushrooms, onions, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs gives you a hearty dose of mushroom flavor without having to sacrifice a meal. Serve this sauce with whole grain pasta and a tossed salad for a complete meal that will startle your taste buds and leave them craving that next bite.
