Cooking with Himalayan salt blocks is the latest trend on the culinary scene. These cooking slabs can be used to grill, broil, or heat foods on the stovetop, as well as serve chilled foods such as cheeses, fruits, and sushi.
Himalayan salt blocks are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes including small squares, large rectangular blocks, round plates and salt bowls. There’s even a chocolate fondue set that includes a salt bowl, chocolate chips, and a bottle of Orange Bitters for a silky smooth fondue sauce.
Himalayan salt blocks are comprised of 100 percent pure salt that contains 84 natural minerals and trace elements. According to Global Healing Center, Himalayan salt is referred to as “white gold” because of its purity and health benefits.
A few of the health benefits offered include: promotion of stable pH balances, balanced blood sugar, improved circulation, prevention of cellulite, healthy libido, and support of respiratory functions.
Foods that are placed on the blocks absorb the salt and minerals which results in perfectly seasoned foods. Nearly anything that can be cooked in the oven, stovetop, or grill can be cooked on a salt block. From fresh vegetables to steaks and fish to pizzas, this versatile vessel turns cooking into an adventure instead of a chore.
Uses for Himalayan Salt Blocks
Chilled Foods: Salt blocks are ideal for use as a chilled serving platter. For best results, they should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer overnight. The blocks will retain the chill for several hours, making them perfect for entertaining and outdoor parties.
Some of my favorite uses include serving moist cheeses like Brie and Mozzarella, Caprese salad, raw vegetables and dips, watermelon chunks, and sushi. Salt blocks are also a fun way to serve ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, and coffee ice creams taste amazing when they absorb a hint of pure salt.
Seared Foods: Salt blocks can be preheated on stovetops and grills and used to cook thin slices of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Grilled Foods: Salt blocks take grilling to a new level and further intensify the flavor of grilled foods. The secret is to preheat the salt block using indirect heat for about 30 minutes. Pretty much anything that is cooked on the grill can be cooked on the salt block with the exception of fatty foods like bacon.
Stovetop Cooking: Salt blocks can be heated on gas and electric ranges. When using electric stovetops it’s recommended to use some sort of metal spacer between the burners and salt. One item that works really well as a spacer is a wok ring.
Salt blocks should be preheated over low-medium heat for about 15 minutes. Salt blocks can get extremely hot and they retain heat for long periods of time, so have thick pot holders nearby and always keep hot blocks out of the reach of children.
Oven Cooking: When it comes to cooking foods in the oven, it’s recommended to check with the manufacturer first. Some Himalayan salt blocks are only for use as serving trays and can explode in the oven, so make certain the one you use is safe for cooking.
When heating salt blocks in the oven, the recommended way to heat the block is to place it in a cold oven and heat to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oven reaches 250 degrees, remove the salt and let cool for 30 minutes. Next, return the block to the oven and set the temperature at 400 to 450 degrees. Once the block reaches the desired temperature, remove from oven and cook foods on the heated block.
Cleaning Himalayan Salt Blocks
Since salt blocks are pure salt they will dissolve over time. It’s imperative to keep salt away from moisture and never immerse in a sink full of water or place inside a dishwasher. Instead, salt blocks can be cleaned with a damp cloth and dried with a towel. When blocks aren’t being used on a regular basis it’s best to wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry location.
Recycling Himalayan Salt Blocks
Over time, salt blocks will have pieces that break off. These salts can be ground using a pestle and mortar and sprinkled on foods. Chunks can also be used as therapeutic bath salts and pumice stones.
Sources:
Global Healing Center – Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Salt News – Heating, Using, Cleaning and Storing Himalayan Salt Blocks
