Low salt diet the old style way

gayleygoo

This has been an interesting thread for me - since I am in my 20's, I had never really considered my salt intake. Over the past few days I've been keeping a check on what I eat if the salt info is available and I probably do go overboard! Bacon and baked beans is my downfall, both of which are high in salt. Half a tin of baked beans contains about 2g of salt :eek: You could certainly make your own baked beans, in the oven or slow cooker. Many recipes include salty bacon or pork but you don't need it, and the sugar/treacle will add extra flavour.

I don't have any specific recipes really, since salt is a seasoning and as you know, it can be omitted from most recipes. For extra flavour, add splashes of wine to sauces, or HM stock. Herbs, spices and sugar will also enhance flavours. I agree with other posters than lots of pepper will make you notice the lack of salt less.

I make veg stock by saving up ends, trimmings and skins of onions, carrot, garlic, mushrooms, celery and whatever else seems like it will work, and keep them in a bag in the freezer. When it's full, it goes in a saucepan and just covered with boiling water. Add a few dried herbs/bouquet garni and plenty of pepper. I never add salt. Simmer for an hour or so, strain, reduce, and freeze in cubes or plastic tubs.

If you are cooking rice, you can add flavour to it by putting in a bit of cinnamon stick and a few cardamon pods or other whole spices. (I buy the big bags rather than the little glass jars, they're much better and last longer.)

Obviously I know nothing about your health condition so not sure what the effects of overdoing on salt would be, but if you are keeping records of what you eat then it can be helpful to look at what you eat over a whole week as well as each day. You won't be able to have bacon and cheese everyday, but as long as you are generally keeping within your low limit then the occasional slice of bacon on HM bread as a treat would probably be fine I wish you luck too and hope you've found some lovely recipes in your new cookbook!