Orange, Fennel and Chilli Salt

Transform Your Holiday Gifting with Orange, Fennel and Chilli Salt

There’s something magical about homemade edible gifts during the festive season. They’re thoughtful, unique, and brimming with love—just like this Orange, Fennel and Chilli Salt recipe. With its vibrant flavours and versatility, this salt can transform any dish, making it the perfect addition to your Christmas gifting or kitchen repertoire.

At the end of this week, I’m hosting a fabulous online cooking class with my cooking club, where we’ll dive into the art of creating edible Christmas gifts. This December tradition is one of my favourites, and this year’s menu includes everything from homemade cranberry sauce to caramelised onion jam, delicate Florentines, and even dehydrated orange slices. If this sounds like your kind of festive fun, you’re most welcome to join us! You can sign up for a month and experience the joy of creating alongside a community of food lovers. Click here to join the cooking club.

Inspired by our upcoming class, I couldn’t resist sharing this recipe with you. This Orange, Fennel and Chilli Salt is not only quick to make but also a stunning gift for anyone who loves cooking—or even for yourself. Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a rub for meats & seafoods. The possibilities are endless!

Why Make Your Own Seasoning Salt?

Homemade flavoured salts like this one allow you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor the flavour to your taste. Plus, they’re much more personal than store-bought options and can be beautifully packaged to make thoughtful gifts.

This recipe makes about three small jars (perfect for gifting!), and the salt keeps beautifully for 6–12 months when stored in an airtight container. It’s an easy way to add a touch of gourmet magic to your Christmas. Consider pairing it with a handwritten recipe card or a small bottle of olive oil for a thoughtful & elegant presentation.

A Special Thank You to My Relish Mama Community

I love sharing recipes like this with my broader community—it’s my way of saying thank you for your support throughout the year. If you’re looking for more inspiration, you’ll find plenty of festive ideas and creative recipes in our Relish Mama Cooking Club. It’s the perfect place to explore new flavours, connect with like-minded foodies, and level up your cooking skills.

I hope you really enjoy this recipe for Orange, Fennel and Chilli Salt both for yourself & for gifting this Christmas. 

Love Nellie

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Orange, Fennel and Chilli Salt

Makes 3 small jars or approx. 300 g

200 g coarse sea salt

1 tbsp fennel seeds

Zest of 2 large oranges (organic, if possible)

¼ teaspoon chilli flakes (adjust to taste)

Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika for extra depth

Equipment

• Baking tray
• Baking paper
• Food processor or spice grinder or mortar and pestle
• Sterilised jars with lids

Preheat the oven to 140°C

Dry the Zest – Spread orange zest evenly on a lined baking tray.

Bake in the oven at 140°C for 10-15 minutes or until completely dry but not browned. Allow to cool.

Plce fennel seeds in a dry frying pan. Toast the seeds in the pan over medium heat until slightly coloured and very fragrant. Toss or stir the pan throughout the cooking, to avoid buring. Let cool.

Blend the Mixture:

Combine the salt, toasted fennel seeds, dried orange zest, and chilli flakes in a food processor or spice grinder (or with a mortar and pestle). Pulse until evenly mixed and slightly finer in texture (optional). Add smoked paprika if you fancy.

Store:

Spoon into sterilised jars, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place.

Storage

• Shelf Life: The salt mixture can be stored for 6-12 months in an airtight container as long as it remains dry.

Uses for Fennel, Orange, and Chilli Salt

1. Meat Seasoning:
   • Rub on chicken, pork, or fish before roasting or grilling.
2. Vegetable Garnish:
   • Sprinkle over roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or fennel for added flavour.
3. Bread and Focaccia:
   • Use as a topping for homemade bread or focaccia before baking.
4. Cocktail Rim Salt:
   • Perfect for garnishing the rims of margaritas or Bloody Marys.
5. Popcorn Seasoning:
   • Add a unique twist to popcorn for a gourmet snack.
6. Edible Gift:
   • Package in small glass jars with a festive label and gift instructions for creative uses.

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