Fermented mustard is assertive, acidic, and deeply complex in its flavor. And, it's also one of the easiest fermented vegetable recipes that you can make. That's because it takes only about five minutes to stir the ingredients together, and then you let all the beneficial bacteria finish the work.
Over a few days, the bacteria will transform the mustard seeds and sea salt into a savory condiment that tastes amazing slathered on whole-grain sourdough bread with aged cheese and shaved ham.
Jump to Recipe | What is Fermented Mustard? | Tips | Starter Cultures
What is it?
Fermented mustard is a condiment with a zippy, sour flavor that you can use just like regular mustard. Making fermented condiments such as this mustard, or even fermented hot sauce, are a great way to incorporate more probiotic foods into your diet regularly.
You begin by mixing mustard seeds, ground mustard, salt, and starter culture together. Next, you let it ferment at room temperature for about three days. Then, you can serve it just as you would regular mustard.
Which ingredients do you use?
At its simplest, fermented mustard needs only mustard seeds, salt, and water. However, to make delicious homemade mustard, you'll need to jumpstart fermentation with a starter culture and add a little vinegar for greater acidity. The tinies slip of honey can also round out the flavor of both the mustard and the vinegar.
Do you need any special equipment?
You'll want to grind your mustard seeds coarsely before fermentation. Grinding them releases their aromatic compounds, and it also makes it easier for them to make a spreadable condiment than using the seeds whole. So, pick up a spice grinder or use a mortar and pestle.
You'll also need a jar to both ferment the mustard and store it after fermentation. While for bigger fermentation projects, such as beet kvass or kimchi, I recommend using a fermentation crock with an airlock or other seal. But, since mustard only needs a few days, you'll be fine using a small pint-sized canning jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Tips for fermenting mustard
Making fermented mustard takes only five minutes of active time in the kitchen, just long enough to grind the seeds and then stir them with the sea salt and the liquid ingredients. While it's pretty straightforward, you might want to keep these tips in mind.
- Start with high-quality spices.
- Grind the mustard seed coarsely, just enough to crack them.
- If it looks too runny, it's just fine. Really. The mustard will look right after you make it, but it will thicken with fermentation.
- Use a starter culture to kickstart fermentation. It can be fermented vegetable brine, kombucha, jun tea, or a packaged starter like this one.
- Make it your own by adding chopped garlic, shallot, or herbs. This is a flexible basic recipe. And once you master the basics, you can start more complex versions.
- It's done in about three days but can ferment longer if you prefer a more complex flavor.
