Achiote Paste

1. 1

   Put all ingredients into a spice grinder, and grind until you have a fine powder.

2. 2

   Take the powder and put it into a bowl and add teaspoons of water at a time until you get a thick paste which binds together, in a putty like consistency.

3. 3

   Separate into Tablespoon size portions and freeze individually.

4. 4

   When you want to use it, mix the TB size portion with 10 cloves of garlic crushed, and 4 TB Seville orange juice and marinade pork or chicken overnight.

5. 5

   Some might say to add tequila, but that is an Americanization of this Yucatecan specialty.

6. 6

   *NOTE* You can find them at most Mexican grocers, and maybe even at your Lucky's or Safeway.

7. 7

   Annato seeds are very, very hard, and are difficult to grind with a mortar and pestle, use the grinder or it won't make a paste.

8. 8

   They DO, and WILL stain your grinder, and anything you happen to spill it on, be careful.

9. 9

   You can double, or multiply this recipe as you wish, and I usually make enough for a year's worth.

10. 10

    About 4x this recipe.

11. 11

    It freezes very well, and will last the year in the freezer no problem.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

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