Smoke and Spice

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE 

In recent years Cheryl has adopted this perky mixture as her signature dry rub, particularly for pork dishes, and she anointed it after our barbecue book Smoke & Spice. The coarse texture of the salt and the turbinado sugar crystals helps the mixture grip to the surface of meat. Absolutely super on pork shoulder, ribs, sausages, and more.

Smoke and Spice is a delightful and flavorful seasoning blend that brings together the smoky aroma of smoked salt and Spanish paprika with a touch of sweetness from turbinado sugar. This unique combination creates a versatile rub that adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes, particularly pork.

The ingredients in Smoke and Spice include smoked kosher salt, coarse sea salt, or flaky salt, such as Maldon, which imparts a rich smokiness to the rub. Complemented by the distinctive flavors of smoked hot or mild Spanish paprika, the rub delivers a delightful balance of heat and smokiness. Turbinado sugar adds a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste profile of the blend.

To use Smoke and Spice, generously sprinkle it on pork, ensuring even coverage, and then massage it into the meat. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the pork, infusing it with the delectable combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes. Whether grilling, smoking, or roasting, this versatile rub is sure to elevate your pork dishes to new heights of deliciousness.

The richness of the smoked salt and paprika creates a flavorful caramelized crust on the pork when cooked, enhancing both the taste and appearance of the dish. With its bold and aromatic profile, Smoke and Spice is a perfect addition to your spice collection, ensuring you have a go-to seasoning blend for a wide range of culinary creations.

When not in use, any remaining rub can be stored in a covered container in a cool, dark pantry, maintaining its freshness and flavor for several months. The simplicity of creating your own smoked salt, as suggested in the spicing tip, adds an extra touch of personalization to the rub and allows you to adjust the level of smokiness to your liking.

Experience the captivating allure of Smoke and Spice in your pork dishes, savoring the perfect balance of smokiness and spices with every mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re preparing succulent pork ribs, juicy chops, or a delectable pork roast, this seasoning blend is sure to impress and delight your guests with its rich and distinctive taste. Enjoy the wonderful fusion of smoky and spicy flavors in every delectable culinary creation made with Smoke and Spice.

MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup smoked kosher salt, coarse sea salt, or flaky salt (such as Maldon)
• 1 cup smoked hot or mild Spanish paprika
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Stir together all of the ingredients in a bowl until well combined, creating a flavorful and smoky rub.
2. Sprinkle the rub heavily on the pork, ensuring even coverage, and then massage it well into the meat. Allow the seasoned pork to rest for at least 45 minutes at room temperature. For a more intense flavor infusion, you can wrap or cover the meat and refrigerate it overnight before cooking.
3. Any remaining rub can be stored in a covered container in a cool, dark pantry for several months, giving you a versatile and delicious seasoning blend for future use.

SPICING TIP:

• Rather than relying on commercial smoked salt, you have the option to create your own version, especially if you have a smoker fired up for a larger cooking project. Simply pour coarse or flaky salt, coarse-ground black pepper, or any other spice of your choice into a shallow pan, ensuring the layer is no thicker than ½ inch. Smoke the salt or spice blend for about 20 to 30 minutes, checking the smokiness by sprinkling some on bread or a cracker and tasting it. If you desire a deeper smoke flavor, return the mixture to the smoker for a few more minutes.
• This smoky rub, featuring smoked salt and paprika, adds depth and complexity to pork dishes, making it a wonderful choice for grilling, smoking, or roasting. Whether you’re preparing a pork roast, ribs, or chops, this versatile rub is sure to enhance the flavor of your dishes and delight your taste buds with its delicious smokiness. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and spices in every delectable bite.