SALTLESS SEASONING SALT

THERE’S A TIME TO LADLE ON THE SALT and a time to leave it out. When guests with special diets come to call, it’s no longer a sad affair with a naked chicken breast and unadorned steamed veg. This tangy spice makes even sensible food feel like a festival.

MAKES ABOUT

CUP / 25 GRAMS SEASONING SPICE

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon freshly ground white pepper

1½ teaspoons crushed basil leaves

1½ teaspoons turmeric

1½ teaspoons ground dried thyme

1½ teaspoons paprika

Shake together all the ingredients in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

NOEL’S WAY

• Stir into mashed root vegetables with a few tablespoons of olive oil.

• Use on fish or clam chowder. They’re naturally salty enough, and these flavors complement seafood.

• Shake broccoli and cauliflower florets in a bag with olive oil and this mixture, then roast for a healthful starter.