Annatto Seed Organic 2oz

PRODUCTSUMMARY

Annatto or also known as Achiote or poor man's saffron. It has an intense color that allows even a small of this herb greatly impacts the appearance of a dish. It is a spice and a coloring agent from the seeds of the evergreen Bixa orellana shrub. It has a mild peppery flavor which is the ingredient quite used in Mexican and Caribbean cuisine. It is native in the tropical areas of the Americas and the Spanish brought them to the Southeast Asia in the 1600s, and due to its yellow color, it is usually added to chorizo, butter and margarine, cheese and smoked fish.

RECIPE

Because of its flavor, aroma and color, this herb is quite popular in Southeast Asia particularly in the Philippines, and one of the popular food in the Philippines is Chicken Inasal. Try this delicious and flavorful Chicken Inasal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy saice
• 2 stalks lemongrass (tanglad), pounded
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, pounded
• 1 Tbsp fish sauce (patis)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 kilo chicken, chicken thighs
• 3/4 cup annatto oil (achuete)(recipe follows)
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 2 tsp chicken powder
• 4 cups rice, cooked
• 1/4 cup garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp canola oil
• annatto oil (achuete) for coloring
• 1/2 cup annatto seeds (achuete seeds)
• 1/4 cup water, for achuete oil
• 1/2 cup canola oil, for achuete oil

Instructions:

1. Make the marinade: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refigerator.
2. Thread chicken onto barbeque sticks. Prepare a charcoal grill. When it's ready, cook the chicken over a medium flame. Mix together achuete oil, star margarine, and chicken powder. Baste the chicken with the achuete oil mixture every few minutes until the meat is well done and juices run clear.
3. Make the achuete rice: in a frying pan, saute garlic in canola oil over medium heat. When garlic has turned light brown, add rice and continue sauteing. Add achuete oil a little at a time until you have reached the desired color. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the chicken.

How to make the achuete oil

1. In a saucepan, combnine annatto seeds and water.
2. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and add canola oil.
3. Mix well until the liquid turns red.
4. Strain seeds and discard, use oil as directed.