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Zesty Jalapeño Salt

An electrifying seasoning that infuses your dishes with a delightful burst of flavor, perfectly balancing heat and zest.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Condiments, Seasoning
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Flavored Salt, Homemade Seasoning, Jalapeño Salt, Spicy Salt, Zesty Condiment
Servings: 16 teaspoons
Calories: 10kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pieces fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced Adjust heat level by using fewer or removing seeds.
  • 1/2 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt Acts as the perfect base for your seasoning.
  • 1 tsp lemon zest Adds a bright, citrusy note.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder or smoked paprika Optional for additional flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Arrange the thinly sliced jalapeños on the tray in a single layer.

Baking

  • Bake the jalapeños for 1 to 1.5 hours, flipping halfway through.
  • Keep an eye on them to prevent over-drying; the slices should be crispy but not burnt.

Mixing and Storing

  • Once dried, remove the jalapeños from the oven and let them cool completely.
  • Grind them into flakes or a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed jalapeños with the coarse salt and lemon zest.
  • If using, add garlic powder or smoked paprika.
  • Transfer the Zesty Jalapeño Salt into a sealed glass jar and store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the jalapeño slices before dehydrating them. Adjusting the cayenne content can help customize the heat level.