Homemade Sazón Recipe
This easy-to-make Homemade Sazón recipe is a unique blend of toasted spices and herbs that are ground down and used to enhance the flavor of many Latin American dishes. You won’t believe how simple this is to prepare is just 5 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons annatto seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon garlic granules
- 1 tablespoon onion granules
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
Instructions
- Add the annatto seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds to a medium-sized frying pan.
- Cook the spices over low to medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes while frequently stirring.
- Once they become slightly toasted, you’ll be able to notice that the annatto seeds start to bleed their color into the pan and the coriander and cumin will get light brown around the edges. In addition, they’ll become very aromatic.
- Next, transfer the mixture of toasted spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, and grind until finely ground.
- Transfer to a bowl, or add in the garlic granules, onion granules, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and pulse the spice grinder just to mix it.
- Taste the mixture and see if it needs more salt or pepper.
- Store or try the sazón spice blend in my Colombian chicken stew recipe.
Notes
The key for making my Sazón Spice Blend is to toast the seeds slowly over low to medium heat so they release their oils without burning. Taking the time to do this brings out a deep, rich flavor that makes the blend stand out in any dish.
Annatto seeds: I love using annatto seeds for their sweet, peppery flavor with an earthy finish, and they naturally add color to recipes.
Toasting spices: I toast whole spices to bring out more flavor and aroma, just like when I make my garam masala.
Pre-ground option: I can use pre-ground spices for this blend by simply mixing them together.
Mortar and pestle: I can make this with a mortar and pestle, but the annatto seeds make it a little more work.
Make-Ahead: You can make this homemade sazón several weeks before you are ready to use it.
How to Store: Place it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 27953mgPotassium: 854mgFiber: 14gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 323IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 435mgIron: 16mg