Basil, Garlic, & Smoked Paprika Dipping Sauce
Above the Salt…
A Bit of History:
Salt plays an integral role throughout history with so many interesting avenues to explore. As many of us know, humans require salt (sodium chloride) for fluid maintenance and muscle and nerve function. In addition, salt’s ability to preserve food, provided a key tool in the development of human civilization. Before the industrial revolution, salt production was slow and hard, thus increasing its value. Salt fetched such a high price that soldiers received their pay in salt. Thankfully, the price of salt today has decreased as it’s a crucial ingredient in my recipe for Salt Crusted Baby Potatoes.
While many books discuss the role of salt in history, one of the most interesting facts I uncovered deals with salt in society. According to a Time Magazine article, one could easily distinguish a person’s societal ranking through salt. During social dinners in medieval and colonial times, salt appeared on the table presented in beautiful saltcellars. Valued guests near the head of the table (closest to the salt) were deemed “above the salt” and socially important. Those unfortunate guests seated “below the salt” did not rank very highly in society. Next time you go to a dinner party, check out where everyone is seated!
About the Recipes: Salt Baby Crusted Potatoes & Dipping Sauce
This recipe is so easy and requires only 5 minutes of prep time. Wash and dry potatoes, spray lightly with olive oil, and roll in salt. For the dipping sauce, peel the garlic and wrap in foil. Place the whole, salt-crusted potatoes, and foil-wrapped garlic on a parchment lined baking sheet. While the potatoes and garlic roast in the oven, use a mortar and pestle (or blender) to crush the herbs and olive oil for the Basil-Garlic Smoked Paprika Dipping Sauce. Using a mortar and pestle will yield a different flavor and texture versus a blender. Remove the garlic from the oven after about 20 minutes and add to your sauce in the mortar and pestle. Crush the garlic into the sauce to complete this fabulous dip!
After approximately 30 minutes of roasting, the potatoes are tender and almost creamy on the inside. Don’t skip the dipping sauce as the fresh herbs and garlic provide the perfect balance and heat.
Salt Crusted Baby Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 silicone/parchment lined baking sheet
Ingredients
- 24 baby potatoes*
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 4 sprays olive oil or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat oven on convection bake to 325 degrees F.
- Wash and dry potatoes. Place in a large bowl and spray with olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Place salt in a large shallow dish.
- Working in batches, add potatoes to the salt and roll them until lightly coated with salt.
- Place salted, whole potatoes on lined baking tray.
- Bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes. Remove from oven just when they are beginning to brown and easily pierced with a fork. Baking time will vary by oven and size of potatoes.
- Serve immediately with Basil Garlic Smoked Paprika Dipping Sauce (see recipe link in notes)** or your favorite condiment.
Notes
Basil, Garlic, & Smoked Paprika Dipping Sauce
Basil, Garlic, & Smoked Paprika Dipping Sauce
Equipment
- 1 mortar and pestle or blender
Ingredients
- 2 packed cups fresh basil
- 12 cloves roasted garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp hot Hungarian paprika (optional for heat)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup high quality olive oil
Instructions
Roasting Garlic
- Heat oven on convection bake to 325 degrees F.
- Peel garlic cloves and wrap in foil.
- Place foil wrapped garlic in the oven for approximately 20 minutes.
Dipping Sauce
- Add all ingredients to a large mortar and pestle.*
- Crush ingredients together until you achieve a chunky, paste-like sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Looking for some other great dipping sauces? Try these Ultratruffle favorites: