Salt Bush Recipes for Easy Weeknight Family Meals

Salt bush Recipes for Easy Weeknight Family Meals: Saltbush, also known as Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex Nummularia), is a versatile Australian native plant with a savoury, slightly salty flavour that can add depth to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re familiar with this native seasoning or discovering it for the first time, cooking with Saltbush opens up new possibilities for healthy, flavour-packed meals. Today we will introduce you to a selection of simple recipes, perfect for weeknight family dinners. If you're looking to explore even more creative ways to cook with this herb, check out our Saltbush Infused Oils and Vinegars post.

What is Salt bush?

Saltbush is native to Australia's arid regions, traditionally used in Indigenous cooking. Its natural saltiness and earthy flavour make it an excellent seasoning for meats, vegetables, and even baked goods. It pairs well with roasted or grilled dishes and is incredibly easy to incorporate into your favourite weeknight recipes.

With its high mineral content and ability to enhance the flavour of simple ingredients, saltbush is more than just a seasoning; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in antioxidants, making it a fantastic addition to any family’s diet. Now, let’s dive into these easy-to-make saltbush recipes!

Salt bush Recipes for Easy Weeknight Family Meals: Salt bush-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a classic weeknight meal, and adding saltbush to the mix gives them a unique flavour twist. This recipe is quick and simple, making it a perfect choice for busy families.

The Goods:

• 500g chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp Terrablendz Dried Saltbush
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil for frying

The Process:

• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, saltbush, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad.

Tip: For a healthier version, bake the tenders in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Salt bush Recipes for Easy Weeknight Family Meals: Salt bush & Sweet Potato Fritters

Fritters are a family favourite, and these saltbush and sweet potato fritters are no exception. Packed with flavour and nutrients, they make a delicious side dish or even a main meal when served with a fresh salad.

The Goods:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, grated
• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp Terrablendz Dried Saltbush
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup self-raising flour
• Olive oil for frying
• Spring onions for garnish.

The Process:

• In a large bowl, combine grated sweet potatoes, zucchini, onion, saltbush, eggs, and flour.
• Mix until well combined and form into small patties.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.
• Serve with a garnish of spring onions and a dollop of yoghurt or your favourite dipping sauce.

Tip: You can make these fritters in advance and store them in the fridge for up to three days, making weeknight dinners even easier.

Salt bush Recipes for Easy Weeknight Family Meals: Salt bush Roast Vegetables

Roast vegetables are a staple of many weeknight meals, and adding saltbush takes them to the next level. This seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a well-balanced, flavourful dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

The Goods:

• 3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 2 tsp Terrablendz Dried Saltbush
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

The Process:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C.
• Place the chopped vegetables in a large baking tray.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with saltbush and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
• Roast for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until vegetables are golden and tender.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Tip: You can switch up the vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Pumpkin, parsnips, and capsicum all work well.

Salt bush Recipes for Easy Weeknight Family Meals: Salt bush Beef Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are ideal for weeknights because they’re fast, simple, and require minimal ingredients. This saltbush beef stir-fry combines tender beef strips with colourful vegetables and the earthy taste of saltbush.

The Goods:

• 500g beef strips
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp Terrablendz Dried Saltbush
• 1 red capsicum, sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

The Process:

• Marinate the beef strips in soy sauce and 1 tsp of saltbush for at least 15 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Return the beef to the pan, sprinkle with the remaining saltbush, and stir-fry for another minute.
• Serve over rice or noodles, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef for tofu or tempeh and reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Saltbush is a fantastic ingredient that adds a unique flavour and a nutritional boost to everyday meals. Whether you’re coating chicken tenders, seasoning roast veggies, or adding it to a beef stir-fry, this versatile herb brings something special to the table. It’s easy to incorporate into weeknight meals, making family dinners both delicious and healthy.

If you’ve enjoyed these saltbush recipes, don't forget to check out our Saltbush Infused Oils and Vinegars post for even more inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned saltbush user or just starting to explore native Australian ingredients, there are endless ways to experiment and enjoy the rich flavours this seasoning has to offer.

Start incorporating saltbush into your meals today, and elevate your family dinners with the taste of Australia’s native bush!

Further Info

Find your Australian Native Herb and spices below and start exploring!

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Australian Native Herbs here!

For more Australian Native Herb and spices information, additional Australian Native Recipes and Cooking ideas please subscribe at www.terrablendz.com.au

Dried Saltbush (Atriplex Nummularia)

Terrablendz Native Salt & Pepper

Additionally, for more information about Australian Native Foods and recipes check out the below links.

Recipes
Tasmanian Pepperberry Rub: Transforming Traditional Recipes
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Taste Tasmanian Pepperberry Spice

Benefits and guides
Discover Lemon Myrtle Benefits
Learn About Saltbush Flavour
Australian Spice Rubs Transform Your Cooking With Natives

Information
What is Pepperberry
Australian Herb Seasoning: How to Use Native Ingredients
Antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds in commercially grown native Australian herbs and spices

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