They sell the most wonderful range of speciality ingredients including Freekeh which is an ancient grain that I turned into these one-ingredient crackers. The product is made in Norway, packed in France and sold in South Africa via the fabulous The Really Interesting Food Company.
Other ingredients have been added to bolster the flavour and in this particular brand of Norwegian Viking salt called Terre Exotique, onion, pepper and turmeric have been added. Juniper, cherry, elm, cheech and oak are used to create the flavoursome fire. It involves dehydrating seawater over wood smoke which permeates the crystals. So Viking salt is, well, exactly that, salt that has been made according to an ancient Viking method. I literally can’t resist it at the moment. This aged Gouda is softer and smoother but with a far more developed flavour than a bland and younger counterpart. As much as I love a sharp aged Cheddar – and that would certainly work very well here, the sharpness can be slightly abrasive. A 20 month aged Gouda which is exclusively available from Woolworths. I chose to use my latest cheese obsession in this recipe. The smokey taste of the Viking salt permeates and then I added another sprinkle at the end. The Viking salt works perfectly here as only a pinch of nutmeg, Dijon mustard and white pepper season the sauce. They are actually more of an open croque monsieur tartine because I made a béchamel as the base, giving them a lovely creamy texture. I thought it would be perfect for these char roasted spring onion tartines. Its a great finishing salt and a perfect addition to sprinkle over fairly neutral flavours. You will want to use it in recipes where the essence wont lost against other strong flavours.
THE LOST VIKINGS 2 TOMATOR SERIES
Maybe because my lineage is linked to Viking, or the fact that I’m in love with the TV series and Ragnar Lothbrok, or simply because I’m obsessed with salt, but this Viking salt is something quite extraordinary. I mean the name alone is enough to inspire.
Its been a while since I got this excited about a new ingredient.