Add a salty crunch to your meals: Here's how
What's the story
Salicornia, also called sea asparagus or samphire, is a secret weapon ingredient that adds a salty crunch to any dish.
Growing in salty marshes and shores, this succulent plant is fascinating not only for its habitat but also for its potential in vegan cooking.
This article presents five creative ways to use salicornia in your meals, adding a burst of flavor while keeping it all plant-based.
Salad enhancement
A fresh twist on salads
Adding salicornia to your salads gives a natural salty crunch that makes your dish pop.
Try combining it with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a deliciously refreshing salad.
The unique texture and flavor of salicornia eliminate the need for conventional salted ingredients, allowing your salad to shine with ease.
Sushi revolution
Innovative vegan sushi
Salicornia is the secret ingredient vegan sushi rolls have been waiting for! Its crunch and natural saltiness replicate the sea-like taste of fish and other seafood used in traditional sushi, but without any animal products.
Just wrap it with sushi rice, avocado, and cucumber in nori sheets, and voila! You've got yourself a vegan sushi roll that's sure to impress not just vegans but non-vegans too.
Pasta perfection
Elevate your pasta dishes
Add a seaside touch to your pasta dishes by incorporating chopped salicornia into the sauce or as a finishing touch.
Whether you're preparing a luscious avocado pasta or a classic aglio e olio, the addition of salicornia brings a subtle yet impactful layer of flavor and saltiness.
It enhances the dish beautifully without being too dominant.
Pickling adventure
Unique ingredient in pickles
Try pickling salicornia for a unique condiment that will add a delicious crunch to sandwiches, salads, or cheese platters.
The inherent brininess of salicornia eliminates the need for a lot of added salt during pickling.
You'll end up with pickles that are delightfully crisp, packed with flavor, and boast a texture that sets them apart from any other pickled veggie.
Toast topping
Boost your breakfast toasts
Take your morning avocado toast to the next level by adding a sprinkle of blanched salicornia on top.
The salty crunch of salicornia complements the creamy avocado perfectly on a base of your favorite toasted bread.
For additional complexity, introduce cherry tomatoes or radishes to the mix. They'll play nicely with the salicornia's unique taste.
This breakfast toast is not only healthy but also a refreshing explosion of flavors.