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Would you like to take your culinary endeavors to new heights of deliciousness?
I've got quite the deal for you!
I got inspired to make this fabulous Lemon Rosemary Sea Salt a few months ago, after my daughter returned from visiting friends in Italy. She had brought back a few fun gifts, one of them being a jar of Italian sea salt infused with rosemary. It was fantastic sprinkled on just about everything and though I used it sparingly, I was pinching up the last little bit far too quickly. I knew I could probably find this delicious, gourmet salt at some fancy Italian specialty shop but I decided to figure out how to make my own. After a bit of experimenting, I think I’ve got the technique mastered!
We grilled an inexpensive grocery store steak last weekend, nothing special or out of the ordinary . I sprinkled the meat liberally with this Lemon-Rosemary Sea Salt along with lots of freshly cracked black pepper and it was honestly, one of the best steaks I’ve had in quite a while. I’ve scattered it on roasted veggies, chicken, salmon, even on baked potatoes. A pinch as a finishing touch on a soup or sauce is delightful. Rosemary-Lemon Sea Salt also adds a delightful, bursting-with-flavor crunch when scattered on focaccia, baguettes or sandwich rolls just before baking.
But here's the best news: good sea salt can be fairly pricey and though it’s definitely worth the expense, it can be a strain on the grocery budget. This recipe calls for a combination of kosher salt (very cheap) along with the sea salt. The kosher salt is combined with fresh rosemary and lemon zest, then pulsed in the food processor . After it’s perfectly combined, the more expensive, flaky sea salt is added to give wonderful texture and depth of flavor (thus stretching out the more expensive salt while adding fabulous flavor). The final step is a slow roast in the oven to seal in the flavor and dry the rosemary and lemon zest. The result: oh my! Amazing deliciousness that you won’t want to be without ever again!
P.S. If you’re looking for a wonderful gift for your “foodie” friends, throw together a double batch, find some pretty glass jars and fun gift tags or pretty ribbons; I can guarantee you they'll be delighted and will be begging you for the recipe!
- 2 cups kosher salt
- ½ cup fresh rosemary packed
- finely zested lemon peel just the yellow part,from 1 large or two small lemons, finely zested, I like to use one of these zesters for both the lemon and the orange
- 1 ½ cups flaky sea salt I used one 9 ounce box of Maldon Sea Salt which was a bit more than 1 ½ cups.
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Put the rosemary leaves, lemon zest and kosher salt in a food processor. Pulse on and off about 8-10 times, or until the rosemary is blended into the salt, and the salt is similar in texture to table salt (it will be damp and look almost like wet sand). Add the flaky sea salt to a bowl; stir in the rosemary salt mixture and combine thoroughly. Spread out on a baking sheet and bake at 150˚F for 1 hour, stirring once or twice, then transfer to jars with tight fitting lids. Keeps indefinitely.
To use flaky sea salt; keep a small dish of it on your kitchen counter in close proximity to where you cook. Pinch up a small amount, then rub it between your fingers over the food you want to season, crushing the flakes as you rub. Keep the rest stored in an airtight container and replenish your "stash" as needed. Once you start using good sea salt, you'll get very spoiled!
Sharin says
Hi! Love your site. Stumbled onto it by accident. Well, with God there isn’t an accidents. Can’t wait to try your recipes.
One question: how long will the lemon rosemary and Tuscan salt last?
Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
You're so right, Sharin, no accicdents!
Regarding your question, as long as you try out the lemon zest and rosemary as directed, it will last indefinitely in an airtight container at room temperature.
Pit Brothers BBQ says
Pit Brothers BBQ have created a premium range of meat rubs & food seasoning to suit your ingredients & compliment your style of cooking. But even we can’t go past this perfect ‘new blend’ rosemary, sea salt & lemon rub, served up with a hint of citrus to bring out the flavour in everything you cook.
Nanci says
Hi Chris, I bought the Maldon's and have a few things I wish to clarify in the directions. How much lemon zest is required? And is the rosemary leaves removed from the stem and then packed into a 1/2 cup measure? Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Nancy, measure the rosemary with the stem on, then remove and chop.
Regarding the lemon, I use the zest from one large lemon.
Rebecca says
Do you have any lemon rosemary sea salt round PDF labels that you can send me? And possibly cute bow ideas for gifting.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Rebecca, at this time, I don't have labels for the salt.
Analida says
Great idea. I've been meaning to experiment with flavored salts.
Paula E says
Could this be made with just the flaked salt?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Paula, this could be made with any kind of sea salt.
Bente says
I just love the jars in the photos!! Where can I get some?
Chris Scheuer says
found those fun jars at either T.J.Maxx or HomeGoods, I can’t remember which one, it was a while back. 🙂
- spoonstories- says
Great idea !Thank you.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Hello Susan! Hope you had a wonderful time out West. I purchased both of those containers at a really fun store in Chapel Hill NC called Southern Season. It's a culinary heaven for those who enjoy cooking. The little jars were quite cheap, I think only 3.49 or something like that. They had all kinds of fun shapes too. I know they do some stuff mail order but it might be just their baskets, I'm just not sure about it. Hope you enjoy the rosemary salt. I use it on everything if I haven't given it away! Be sure to make the caramel sauce but like I said, you might now like me anymore after you've eaten half the jar with a spoon! 🙂
Good to hear from you my friend, hope all is well, Chris
Susan says
I bookmarked this recipe earlier because I wanted to make this flavored salt when I got back home to my rosemary shrub. Now I am very curious where did you find that adorable glass container that is holding it and also, the beautiful container for your caramel sauce posted this morning? Thanks. Susan
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
I totally believe what you said. I bought this lemon pepper sea salt (forgot the name, but something like that) from Trader Joe's and I was addicted. I like this "gift" idea... it's still early but great holiday gift too (you must remind us later on this year again!). I like this lemon + rosemary combination. I can imagine regular steak becomes very fancy meal!!
Rosita Vargas says
Una idea fantástica me llevo su receta ..está espectacular,abrazos hugs,hugs.
Rosemary says
I'm definitely adding this to my homemade gift list -- after I make some for myself, that is. How can I resist anything with rosemary in it!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Yes, I'm sure that HomeGoods would have something fun for this sea salt! I always find WAY too much there! Have fun at your dinner party, what a great idea to give little jars of sea salt as gifts. Wish I was coming to your party, it sounds like you give amazing ones!
CLRogers12 says
Great idea - I am going to make some for favors for guests at a dinner party I am hosting in late September! I think Home Goods might have some cute flip top glass containers....
Eri says
My dear Chris, I made some basil salt this year and loved it but I love more the idea for lemon rosemary sea salt, I am so making it! tomorrow!!!!
Have a nice weekend my friend!
Mary says
I love this idea. There are so many great possiblities. Thanks!!
Sandra Lee says
Love this Chris, thanks for sharing it. I would never dream of roasting salt. It sure is great have clever friends!
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
I haven't made seasoned salt in a while and you've encouraged me to do so again soon. Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs and I use it in everything I can think of. I'm also crazy about Maldon salt and keep it handy when I want a crunch. Love that you've combined the Maldon with kosher salt. A definite keeper.
Sam
Mary says
What a fantastic post. I'll be putting your technique to good use. Have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says
What a great idea! Delicious flavors. I love Maldon, has such a nice "crunch" too! 🙂
Spicegirlfla says
Great tip to make your own! I have an assorted of herb infused sea salts, that I purchased and use to finish various dishes. I agree its a bit costly to buy, so I'm looking forward to trying this out. They definitely do add an amazing impact!
lena says
chris, this is so clever of making your own flavoured sea salt! you are really no one ordinary chef!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Yum Chris I can taste it already. I just bought a little rosemary seedling last weekend. Let's hope he's nice and big by Christmas because I know what my friends are getting!