Ingredients:
- 100 g. capers
- medium grain salt
Preparation:
Salted capers are a very particular and tasty ingredient, loved by many chefs and appreciated for their unique and intense flavour. On this page, we will explore the world of salted capers, including their origins, preparation process, culinary characteristics, health benefits and some ideas on how to use them in the kitchen.
Capers are the flower buds of a shrub called Capparis spinosa, which is native to the Mediterranean regions. This shrub has been grown for centuries in many parts of the world, including Italy, Spain, France, Greece and North Africa. Capers have been used in cooking since ancient times, both for their unique flavor and for their purported medicinal properties.
Salted capers have a number of culinary characteristics that make them a special ingredient in cooking. First, they have a very intense, pungent and slightly bitter flavor, which can add depth and complexity to many recipes. Additionally, the texture of salted capers is firm and crunchy, making them perfect for adding a touch of crunch to a dish. They are often used as a condiment or as the main ingredient in many preparations, such as sauces, salads, gravies, meat and fish dishes, appetizers and pasta dishes.
Salted capers are also known for their health benefits. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, iron and dietary fiber. Additionally, capers have been associated with several health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, it’s important to note that the high sodium content in salted capers may not be suitable for all diets, so it’s advisable to consume them in moderation and watch out for the amounts of salt in your overall diet.
Here is a simple recipe for preparing salted capers, a versatile condiment that can be used in various culinary preparations. Here’s how to proceed using only fresh capers and coarse salt.
Proceed according to these simple instructions: start by washing the capers under running water to remove any residual soil or impurities. Then dry them by gently dabbing them with a clean tea towel.
Prepare a clean and sterilized glass container, such as a glass jar with an airtight lid.
Place a layer of coarse salt on the bottom of the jar and put a layer of capers over the salt, being careful to distribute them evenly.
Continue to alternate layers of salt and capers until the jar is completely filled, making sure to completely cover the capers with the salt.
Seal the jar tightly with the cover and store in a cool, dry place, such as the pantry or refrigerator.
Let the salted capers sit for at least a week to allow them to ripen and develop their distinctive flavor. They can be stored for months and used as desired in the desired culinary preparations.
Before use, rinse the capers under running water to remove excess salt, and then use them as a condiment in various recipes, such as on pizza, in meat cacciatore, with stuffed olives or in stuffed peppers.
These homemade salted capers will add a touch of intense and salty flavor to your favorite culinary preparations.
Enjoy your meal!
