Soul Food Seasoning

Soul food seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs used to season dishes in soul food cuisine. Soul food is a traditional African American culinary style that originated in the Southern United States. It is known for its rich and flavorful dishes that often incorporate a variety of spices to enhance taste.

How to Make

While there isn’t a specific universal soul food seasoning, we made our own version called “Soul Dust”. It’s a blend of ingredients that are easily accessible at local grocery stores and commonly used in Southern cooking.

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SOUL FOOD SEASONING (SOUL DUST)

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
Coarse ground black pepper
Granulated garlic
Granulated onion
Seasoned salt (e.g. Lawry’s)

1. In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (start with less and adjust to taste if using any other type) and black pepper. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
2. Add one-half part of granulated garlic and one-half part of granulated onion to the salt and pepper mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the garlic and onion evenly.
3. Add one-fourth part of seasoned salt to the mixture. This will contribute additional flavor and complexity to the seasoning blend. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container, such as a jar or a spice container, to preserve freshness.

What is seasoned salt?

Seasoned salt, also called seasoning salt, is a versatile blend used in our soul food seasoning to enhance the flavor of various dishes. It typically consists of a mixture of salt and a combination of herbs, spices, and sometimes other flavorings. The exact ingredients can vary between brands and recipes, but common components include salt, sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and more.

Popular commercial brands include Lawry’s and Morton Season-All. You can also create your own custom blends to suit your preferences and specific tastes. It’s a versatile pantry staple that can be a quick and effective way to elevate the taste of a wide range of dishes.

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is a brand of kosher salt that is widely used in both professional and home kitchens, including this soul food seasoning recipe. Here are some key points about Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt and how it differs from table salt:

Crystal Structure: Diamond Crystal has larger, irregularly shaped crystals compared to the fine, uniform crystals of table salt. The larger crystals make it easier to pinch and measure, providing better control over the amount being used.
No Additives: Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt typically does not contain additives such as iodine or anti-caking agents. It is pure with a straightforward taste.
Texture and Dissolution: The larger crystals dissolve more slowly than table salt. This can be advantageous in certain culinary applications where a slower dissolution is desired.
Use in Cooking and Seasoning: Diamond Crystal is often preferred by chefs for its versatility in both cooking and finishing dishes. The texture and size of the crystals make it suitable for applications like seasoning meats, brining, and rimming cocktail glasses.

Diamond Crystal vs. Table Salt

Crystal Size: The most noticeable difference is in the crystal size. Table salt has fine, small crystals, while Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt has larger, flakier crystals.
Density: Diamond Crystal is less dense than table salt, meaning that a teaspoon of kosher salt may contain less actual salt by weight compared to a teaspoon of table salt.
Salty Flavor: Due to the larger crystals, Diamond Crystal may provide a less intense burst of saltiness compared to an equal volume of table salt.

Difference in Saltiness

If a recipe specifies a particular type of salt, it’s advisable to use that type for the best results. If you’re substituting Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt for table salt (or vice versa), it’s recommended to adjust the quantity based on taste, as the saltiness levels can vary. A general rule of thumb is to use about 50% more Diamond Crystal by volume than table salt.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the recipe.

Granulated Garlic and Onion

Granulated garlic and onion are both popular forms of these aromatic ingredients used in our soul food seasoning.

Granulated garlic has a coarser texture with larger particles compared to its powdered counterpart. The granules are similar in size to fine cornmeal. The flavor is robust and garlicky but may be slightly milder than powdered garlic.

Similarly, granulated onion has larger particles than onion powder, offering a textured experience. It retains a strong onion flavor but may be perceived as slightly milder than its powdered counterpart. The larger pieces release flavor more gradually.

Coarse Ground Black Pepper

Coarse ground black pepper refers to peppercorns that have been ground into larger particles, resulting in a coarser texture compared to the finer grind of regular table pepper. Both variations come from the same source—dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant—but the difference lies in the size of the grind and the impact this has on flavor and texture.

Coarse ground pepper used in our soul food seasoning because we like the textured pepper. Regular pepper is also okay to use, and is versatile and suitable for a wide range of dishes, including soups, sauces, and everyday seasoning.

Summary

Soul food seasoning spice blend can add a rich and flavorful profile to a variety of dishes, enhancing the essence of soul food cuisine. It’s easy to make using ingredients that are accessible at most local grocery stores and commonly used in Southern cooking.

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