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

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Homemade Sazon Seasoning Blend

Sazon, 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.

Course Spices

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon ground annatto seed
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

The post Homemade Sazon Seasoning Blend appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

The annatto seeds can be ground into a powder, made into a paste or used to infuse oil.

Because of its gorgeous crimson color, annatto seeds can be used as a food coloring or dye with color ranging from yellow to deep orange.

When infused in oil, the annatto seeds lend a slightly sweet peppery taste. It’s a common ingredient in yellow rice dishes and can be a substitute for saffron. Achiote Oil is wonderful when incorporated into marinades.

Making Achiote Oil

• Gently simmer annatto seeds in olive oil (do not over heat)
• Strain and discard the seeds from the oil
• Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid at room temperature for 5 days or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator

Achiote Oil is commonly used to flavor Latin-American rice dishes, such as Arroz Con Pollo. I’m looking forward to incorporating it into pastas and baked goods. The color is gorgeous!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Achiote Oil (made from Annatto Seeds)

Achiote Oil has a slightly sweet peppery taste. It's a common ingredient in yellow rice dishes and can be a substitute for saffron.

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil can substitute vegetable oil
• 2 Tablespoons annatto seeds

Instructions

• Gently warm the annatto seeds in olive oil over medium heat just until the seeds begin to bubble, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain and discard seeds. Store the oil in covered jar for up to 5 days.

  DO NOT OVER HEAT THE OIL. It will spoil and turn bitter.

Notes

Do not substitute ground annatto seeds to make the oil.

The post Easy Achiote Oil (made from Annatto Seeds) appeared first on Lemony Thyme.