Homemade Sazon Seasoning Blend

I recently made Arroz Con Pollo (Latin Chicken & Rice) and the recipe called for Sazon Seasoning.

Sazón, which means seasoning in Spanish, is a staple in Latin cooking. When added to soups, stews, and rice dishes it brings a beautiful yellow color.

Sure, I could have gone to my local market headed down the International Foods isle and found the familiar yellow and orange box of Sazon packets.

However in this case, I had all the necessary ingredients already on hand!

Including Achiote (Annatto Seeds).

When I set out to make Arroz Con Pollo last week there were a few key ingredients I needed to purchase. Annatto Seed was one of them. This classic Latin Chicken & Rice recipe begins with an Achiote Oil that is infused with these vibrant seeds.

How beautiful is this isle of dried peppers and whole spices?! If you’ve seen an isle similar to this at your local Hispanic Market, there’s a good chance you can find Annatto Seed. It’s also readily available online.

I have a coffee grinder dedicated to spices. If it can turn whole cinnamon sticks or nutmeg seeds into powder, it can definitely handle annatto seeds.

Sazon Seasoning contains: garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cumin, ground annatto seeds, and salt. Note the store bought version will likely contain MSG, not something I’m a fan of. You can also control the sodium levels when you make homemade blends.

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All my best,
xo Libby