A truffle is simply the outer fruiting body of an underground subterranean fungus, primarily one of the largest species of this genus, Tuber. There are three to four species of Tuber, all of which are native to the Alps. In addition to Tuber, several other genera of fungi also fall under the name of truffle, including Geopora, Peziza, Choiromyces, Leucangium, and several others. All of these fungi are from the same family, Cavensia, so they all have the same common characteristics that produce a nice, white powder.
As mentioned above, the main characteristic of this tree-like fungus is its white powdery outer covering, which is commonly referred to as black truffle sea salt. Truffles have a very distinctive taste and can be a great addition to any recipe. The main appeal of truffle salt is not just the delicious flavor, but the unique look of its outer shell. It has a texture quite similar to walnuts, with a slight salt and cream flavor. While the flavor may be highly desirable for many, the salty look of the outside shell takes a little getting used to.
Traditionally, truffles are used as a topping for baked potatoes or enjoyed on their own as a delicious treat. These days, however, they are used in a wide variety of recipes, from lasagna to pasta sauces, to stews, to desserts, and more. The traditional flavorings are very popular, but chefs all across the world are experimenting with different combinations, coming up with new flavors and textures, to push the limits of what is available to them and to satisfy consumers who are looking for something a little more exotic than just regular salt. In this article, we will look at some of the most popular combinations for using black truffle salt with other ingredients, to create new dishes with an extra twist.
Most black truffle salt recipes call for regular table salt, but many chefs experiment with mixing a little sherry vinegar with the salt before using it in the cooking process. This combination produces a unique flavor that some find irresistible, while others prefer the rich flavor of regular table salt. Other ideas include mixing with lemon juice, orange juice, or even honey to give a special tropical flavor to pasta or stews. For dessert recipes, you might also enjoy combining the salt with sugar, almond extract, or vanilla to create a dessert with a rich texture and unique flavor.
When paired with other ingredients, truffle salt can become an intricate part of a dish, creating a beautiful presentation that is both textural and flavor-rich. One simple way to use truffle salt to create a rich chocolate-flavored sauce in a tomato-based dish is to combine it with chopped shallots and garlic. Next, whisk in the olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine to degrease the mixture slightly. You can finish the sauce off by adding a little bit of ice and peppermint extract to taste. This is a delicious way to add a subtle hint of truffle flavor to a tomato-based pasta dish or to serve the sauce on top of raw vegetables as an appetizer.
Another way to incorporate truffle salt into your cooking is to make a baked potato. First, saute a piece of medium-fat dry steak in vegetable oil until the beef is brown and crisp. Once the steak is brown and crisp, add in chopped onion and bell pepper, and saute until the vegetables are soft. Then, add in your prepared pasta sauce and stir until the pasta sauce is fully dissolved. You can finish the baked potato with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese and a final drizzle of olive oil to seal the deal and keep it warm on the table.
Making truffles is also much like cooking mushrooms. All you need to do is saute mushrooms until they are light pink and just starting to look brown. Add butter and seasonings to the mushrooms and wait for them to get hot. Once they’re hot enough, use a food processor to puree the mixture until they’re a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper and wrap the mixture in aluminum foil to cook on the top of a hot stove.
Finally, don’t forget to use truffle salt to season steamed broccoli florets. Simply melt some of the butter over the top of the florets and place them on a plate. Top with a generous helping of truffle salt and let them sit for about fifteen minutes so that the butter and salt start to loosen up the florets. Remove them and set them on your dinner table. When you’re ready to serve them, spray a serving platter with a bit of cooking oil so that the crispiness of the veggies don’t brown too quickly.