And it is a delicacy with a very old tradition: some recipes even date a few centuries ago! Each Kratovo family has its own version of the recipe, adding some secret ingredients to the few "standard" ones, combining more that 10 different flavors! Each ingredient is carefully roasted and then everything is being ground by hand using a big wooden or stone pestle and mortar (and hence the name "ground salt" - originally k'cana sol). And one of the most interesting things is that in spite of its name, grinded salt is not salty at all!
The truth is, no one is going to share with you the family recipe for the grinded salt. So, today I will share one of the many versions of the recipe, one that is very much simplified and "modernized", but will make that original flavor close enough. However, if you ever have a chance to visit Kratovo and Macedonia in general, do not miss to buy some authentic one! Don't worry, you won't need to look high and low for it as it can be found in any market in the country and for quite a low price.
The most common way to use grinded salt is to sprinkle it over a fresh and warm Peta, an authentic wheat and rye bread baked in a wood-fired black oven. But there are so many other ways to consume it: you can add it to soups, grilled meat and vegetables, and simple scrambled eggs enriched with this spice will be a real treat!
So far, I have posted 3 recipes featuring this spice mix, and more are about to follow. Meanwhile, you can try this unusual BBQ side dish, this Cheesy Polenta Pie or maybe this Seasoned Flatbread that goes wonderfully with the baked cheese I posted awhile ago.
So, you will need:
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Directions:
1. Mince the roasted chickpeas, or use a mortar and a pestle to crush them as finely as possible. Don't worry, it won't be difficult to do it.
2. To make the spice, simply mix all of the ingredients listed. It won't look exactly the same as the local version, but it will do perfect as a homemade substitute.
In the photo below, you can see the authentic spice mix on the left, and this homemade one on the right.
Enjoy!