**Sazón:** A Journey Through Latin American Cuisine
Sazón, a Spanish word meaning "seasoning" or "flavor," is a blend of spices and herbs used as a base flavoring in many Latin American dishes. It is a fundamental ingredient in Latin American cooking, adding depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from stews and soups to grilled meats and vegetables. Sazón is typically made with a combination of ground cumin, coriander, garlic, oregano, and annatto seeds, but variations exist across different regions and cultures. This article presents a collection of recipes that showcase the diverse flavors and versatility of sazón.
1. **Sazón Chicken:** This classic recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of sazón, citrus juices, and spices. Grilled or roasted, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma.
2. **Sazón Rice:** A staple side dish in Latin American cuisine, sazón rice is a simple yet flavorful dish made with long-grain rice cooked in a savory broth infused with sazón. The result is a fluffy, aromatic rice that pairs perfectly with various dishes.
3. **Sazón Black Beans:** Black beans are a nutritious and versatile ingredient often used in Latin American cooking. This recipe combines black beans with a rich, flavorful sauce made with sazón, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course over rice.
4. **Sazón Beef Stew:** This hearty and comforting stew is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a robust sauce made with sazón. Ideal for a chilly day, this stew is a satisfying meal that showcases the versatility of sazón as a seasoning.
5. **Sazón Shrimp Tacos:** These tacos feature succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of sazón, lime juice, and cilantro. Served on warm tortillas with fresh toppings, these tacos are a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
SAZóN
Check out this homemade version of a miracle spice mixture that's a staple in Puerto Rican kitchens.
Provided by Von Diaz
Categories Spice Onion Garlic Puerto Rico Secret Weapon
Yield Makes 1/2 cup
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine all the ingredients in an airtight container, cover, and shake well to incorporate. It keeps indefinitely.
SAZON
This is a copycat version of sazon, which I always use in Puerto Rican dishes. Other versions of this recipe call for only paprika or turmeric. I find adding both achieves the reddish-orange color without affecting flavor. The salt in this recipe can be reduced or omitted as many dishes call for additional salt. I prefer to omit and just add salt as needed to dishes while I'm cooking. I hope you will enjoy it!
Provided by SZYQ1
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean
Time 5m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine coriander, cumin, garlic powder, annatto, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and Mexican oregano in an air-tight container and mix well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 12.3 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.5 g, Sodium 577.7 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
SAZóN-SPICED SHRIMP AND OKRA
Fresh okra is wonderfully versatile, and searing it in a hot pan is one way to lend texture while preserving its shape. This dish comes together entirely within a large skillet; you'll work in stages to cook the okra and then the shrimp. A dusting of annatto-infused sazón adds aromatic and earthy flavors, and a tinge of spice. Finished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, this dish is perfect for a light evening meal or as part of any warm-weather menu.
Provided by Yewande Komolafe
Categories dinner, quick, weeknight, seafood, main course
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add half of the okra, cut sides down, and cook without stirring until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, toss and cook until tender, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a plate. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the skillet and repeat the cooking process with remaining okra and an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Lower the heat to medium and heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the skillet (no need to wash). Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with the sazón. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are just cooked through and the sazón toasts and becomes fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Return the okra to the pan of shrimp and stir just to combine. Remove from the heat, add the cilantro and finish with several squeezes of lime.
SAZóN
Cumin-heavy sazón is among the most commonly used spice blends in Puerto Rican cooking, and is also popular throughout Latin America. This seasoning is an incredible cheat, and is typically found in the international section of most supermarkets. Commercial brands are flavor bombs pumped with monosodium glutamate - MSG - that can make almost anything taste better. While I'm not MSG-phobic, I do prefer making my own blends to control both the flavor and the salt content. This is my take on sazón, minus the MSG, and with turmeric added along with the standard annatto to imbue dishes with a golden hue. Adaptation is encouraged based on preference, and if you can't find ground annatto then sweet paprika is a perfect substitute. It will keep in an air-tight container for years.
Provided by Von Diaz
Time 5m
Yield About 1/2 cup
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In an airtight container, combine all ingredients. Cover and shake well to incorporate.
- Use with carne guisada, alcapurrias or
Tips:
- Use a variety of spices: Sazon is a blend of spices that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Some common spices used in sazon include cumin, oregano, coriander, and paprika.
- Experiment with different proportions: There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for sazon. The proportions of spices you use will depend on your personal preferences and the dish you are making.
- Toast the spices before using: Toasting the spices before using them will help to release their flavor and aroma.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your sazon the best flavor.
- Store sazon in an airtight container: Sazon can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
Conclusion:
Sazon is a versatile blend of spices that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. With a little experimentation, you can create your own sazon blend that is perfect for your taste. So next time you're looking for a way to spice up your food, give sazon a try. You won't be disappointed!
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