Description

Kala Namak – a favourite among vegan chefs

Kala Namak salt is also known as Indian black salt. When ground, this salt turns a brownish-pink colour and has a slight sulphurous taste, which gives it a smoky, spicy, egg-like flavour. This salt is rich in minerals, particularly iron. Kala Namak has a very distinctive smell. The sulphur compounds give the salt the scent of a hard-boiled egg.

Kala namak has been used since ancient times and is said to have been identified by Maharishi Charak, the father of Ayurvedic medicine, around 300 BCE. Ayurvedic healers have claimed that this type of black salt may have therapeutic properties. It is considered highly valuable and is even used as a laxative and to alleviate digestive problems and deteriorating eyesight. Kala Namak contains less sodium than ordinary table salt.

What goes well with Kala Namak?

• Tofu: With Kala Namak, vegans can add an egg-like flavour to a hearty breakfast without compromising on their diet! Try some tofu porridge seasoned with black salt, black pepper and turmeric, and you won’t notice any difference at all! You could also try some delicious marinated tofu or crispy fried tofu, served with a fresh salad.
• Vegetables: a plant-based diet is certainly healthy, but sometimes eating the same old flavours can get a bit boring. Give your vegetables a new flavour by adding a pinch of Kala Namak salt and other spices to create your own special seasoning blend! Grilled, roasted, fried vegetables or even fresh salads: discover all the different sides of seasonal vegetables! The best partners for black salt? Asparagus, mushrooms, red peppers, chickpeas and spinach.
• Pasta: try a vegan carbonara by replacing the eggs with a little Kala Namaki salt, or try inventing a new pasta recipe every week.
• Rice: plain boiled rice comes to life with the right seasoning, but you can also whip up a gourmet version of your favourite fried rice.
• Mayonnaise: did you know that being vegan doesn’t mean giving up your favourite sauces and tasty condiments? Raw vegan mayonnaise is super easy and quick to make! Whether it’s for a last-minute sandwich spread or to dress your daily salad, it’s always worth keeping a jar of vegan mayonnaise in the fridge.
• Potatoes: who doesn’t love a creamy potato salad? Mustard and Kala Namak salt go so well together! Sweet potatoes will also surprise you with their unusual flavour when seasoned with black salt.
• Fruit: fruit chaat is the Indian version of a standard fruit salad, and it tastes both sweet and spicy at the same time. Use fresh seasonal fruit (or even frozen) and learn how to make chaat sauce using Kala Namak and other typical Indian spices and flavours. Kala Namak salt also works wonderfully in chutneys.
• Avocado: from the iconic avocado on toast to an unusual avocado pesto sauce served over noodles or spaghetti. Let your imagination run wild! 
• Lemon/lime: fresh and zesty – that’s what we all expect from any summer drink! Try a spicy Indian lemonade or create your own delicious ‘spicy’ non-alcoholic drink! A small pinch of Kala Namak in your drink will bring a whole new range of flavours to your table. A couple of tips? Mix the salt with crushed cumin seeds, mint leaves or a slice of fresh ginger, and serve your original drink at your next summer party!
• Yoghurt: whether in a sauce, on a salad or even in a fruit dessert, yoghurt and Kala Namaki salt are the perfect combination! Get inspired by some Indian raita recipes! In a hurry? Plain yoghurt, Thai green chillies, fresh ginger, sugar, Kala Namak salt, cucumber and fresh coriander. Absolutely delicious!

Bear in mind that Kala Namak has a very intense flavour and a pungent aroma, so it should be used in small quantities! Thanks to the unique flavour it adds to dishes, it does not completely replace table salt.

How is Kala Namak salt beneficial to your health?

Traditional practitioners have known about the therapeutic benefits of black salt for centuries. Here are some of the most common benefits.

• Table salt is made from 100% sodium chloride, whereas Kala Namaki salt also contains other substances, making it more suitable for a low-sodium diet or for people with high blood pressure.
• Black salt is a natural blood thinner, which may be beneficial for regulating blood circulation.
• Unlike ordinary white salt, Kala Namaki salt is neither bleached nor refined. This means it contains no chemical residues, making it a healthier and more natural ingredient for your recipes.
• Thanks to its alkaline properties, it may help to reduce heartburn. It also reduces damage caused by acid reflux.
• It can help relieve bloating.
• It has laxative properties.
• Thanks to its unique mineral composition, it is rich in potassium, which is essential for the proper functioning of all muscles. Potassium also prevents leg cramps and muscle spasms.
• Mineral salts contribute to hair health by making it stronger. It also helps to slow down hair loss.
• Kala Namak salt is rich in iron, which can help people suffering from various types of anaemia.
• Black salt is a natural detoxifier: mix it with a cup of warm water and help your body eliminate all toxins!

Where can you buy Kala Namak salt?

Kala Namak is very common in Asia, where it can easily be found in local markets and shops. However, it is considered a rare ingredient in Western countries and isn’t that easy to find in a regular supermarket. Visit our online shop to buy Salt’s Up Kala Namak salt, and this secret ingredient will be conveniently delivered straight to your door, ready for all your culinary experiments.

Get ready to explore ethnic cuisine, start your vegan diet, or use this secret weapon in your pantry to cook like a true gourmet chef whenever you like!