Annatto Paste

Photo: flickr user daisybush

Ingredients

cup annatto seeds

1 cup vegetable or olive oil

1 lime juiced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

3 garlic cloves minced

teaspoon salt

teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

In a small medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the annatto seeds and cook, stirring constantly, until the oil becomes a rich, orange-red color, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Strain the annatto oil into the bowl of a food processor or blender, and add the lime juice, oregano, garlic, salt and cumin. Process the mixture on high to form a smooth paste. Pour into a glass jar and keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

This recipe yields 1 cup.

Yield: 1 cup