Who could have ever guessed that I would get turned on by machines? Not for their own sake of course, but to manipulate traditional foods in new ways. I had this idea the other day: what would happen if you took lacto-fermented pickles, shaved them thin and put them in a dehydrator? Then crush them up into a powder to use as seasoning. It is delicious beyond all expectations. This is two of my cucumber pickles made in late July, super sour, no garlic a little chili. They yielded about a tablespoon of this funky dust. It's intriguing, not overly salty, but sour, spicy, slightly sweet. My first instinct would be to put it on a mango, but sprinkled on a burger would be a little more conventional. There's also a batch of bright yellow fermented sweet corn dehydrated that is even more intriguing, very sweet, sour and salty. Again, I'm thinking relish, but even just a pinch on a salad, sandwich, or maybe in the batter for fried chicken. Next experiment is beets, okra, radish - just what I happen to have around. Any other ideas?
This would be great for the Willy Wonka Edible Wallpaper in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
ReplyDeletesauerkraut? I am struggling to remember. There is something like this I have seen before. something orange maybe. Will try to recollect.
ReplyDeleteIt might be interesting to try it as a component in a batter for coating something to be fried. Or, as a dusting or a really fresh farmers market goat cheese.
ReplyDeleteA pinch on hot popcorn or home-fried tortilla chips would be amazing.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great ideas. Next up the fermented corn and sauerkraut powders. I'm on a roll. Or rather it was!
ReplyDeleteTry it with chanterelles
ReplyDeleteWhat is the pickle powder like relative to other powdered souring agents (like sour grapes, for instance)?
ReplyDeleteI love food dusts....I've done a few experiments with dust salts but I like the layers of flavour in this pixie, sorry :-) pickle dust.
ReplyDeleteIt would be lovely sprinkled on rice, me thinks - and I buy the burger idea! Even popcorn would make a good date