Kala Namak – Indian Black Salt with Distinctive Flavor
Kala Namak, also called Black Salt, is a traditional seasoning used in Indian cuisine and vegan cooking. It has a distinctive aroma and taste, often described as egg-like, due to its natural sulfur compounds. This finely ground rock salt is valued for its unique flavor profile.
Origin and Characteristics
Although known as black salt, Kala Namak typically appears in shades of dark violet to pinkish-brown. Its striking sulfurous scent makes it stand out among other salts. This product originates from rock salt deposits in regions of Pakistan and northern India.
It is also known by different regional names:
- Kala Nun
- Black Himalayan Salt
- Sulemani Namak
- Bit Lobon
- Kala Noon
- Pada Loon
Flavor Profile
Kala Namak offers a salty, smoky, slightly bitter flavor with a pronounced aroma reminiscent of cooked eggs. While the smell may be intense at first, it enhances dishes with a savory and flavorful depth. It is particularly appreciated in vegan cuisine for mimicking egg flavor in plant-based recipes.
Culinary Uses
This aromatic salt is used in many traditional and modern dishes, such as:
- Curries and masala blends
- Chutneys and raitas
- Tofu scramble and avocado
- Vegetable soups and fruit salads
- Spiced drinks and savory juices
Kala Namak adds a characteristic flavor that enhances both sweet and savory preparations.
Recipe: Cucumber Raita with Kala Namak
This cucumber raita is a simple yogurt-based side dish perfect with spicy main courses or flatbreads.
Ingredients:
- 250 g natural yogurt
- 120–150 g cucumber
- ½ tsp each of sugar, paprika powder, ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- White pepper and Kala Namak Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and finely grate the cucumber.
- Mix with yogurt in a bowl and season with white pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, spicy paprika, raw cane sugar, and Kala Namak.
- Mix well and serve chilled.
Composition:
Ingredients: 99% rock salt, 1% seed ash from the Haloxylon recurvum plant
Additional Information
This product is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Sources:
Occurrence of hydrogen sulfide in “Black Salt” (bund.de)
Kala Namak – Wikipedia
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