Then consider the Himalayan pink salt block, says chef Rohit Lobo
Chef Rohit Lobo sears salmon and vegetables on the Himalayan pink salt block
While most of us look to champion nutritive elements in our food, here is a procedure that's packed with health-benefits, says chef Rohit Lobo about cooking on the Himalayan salt brick. Made of sunset-hued crystal, this brick comprises prehistoric crystals and is packed with healthy minerals. It's 8x8 in dimension, weighs 4.5 kg and is heated on a slow flame for 15 minutes to bring it to the right temperature. "It can trap the heat for a longer period, facilitating high-heat cooking. This method can be used for both meat and vegetables. And, it helps save both fuel and gas," points out the executive chef of Kaama.
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Once the brick gets heated, you can grill a steak, lamb chops, fish and even vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and tomatoes, on it. "Unlike other cooking surfaces, you'll never have to worry about germs on a Himalayan pink salt block. This is because of its low porosity and the moisture retention property of the salt, which creates a naturally anti-microbial environment," Lobo says.
It was during his days aboard a Disney cruise line that he first encountered this brick. "My head chef did a demo which I found unique and amusing. I wanted to try my hand at it too, and when I did, I loved the results. The taste and the correct amount of salt it adds to the dish, is amazing. Also, the idea of cooking on something that is 600 million years old is overwhelming."
At home, salt rock can replace your pan. "It will take a while to master the salt content and control the heat," he says.
One of the dishes he often prepares using this method is seared salmon. He takes us through the procedure:
Heat the rock for 15 minutes Marinate the salmon with lemon zest, lemon juice, dried dill, chopped basil, chopped parsley and olive oil. Add only a pinch of salt (because the brick has salt in it already).
Place the salmon on the brick and let it cook slowly. Keep turning it. It should cook in 6 to 8 minutes on each side.
Remove and serve hot.
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