Sazón!

Continuing with the Puerto Rican seasonings before I get to the GOOD STUFF, let's talk about Sazón. I personally don't know anyone in my family who does not use the stuff. It is the staple of all staples. We use it in rice, beans, meat, smoothies (just kidding). Open the cupboard of any puerto rican household and you will find that little orange and yellow box of Sazón packets.

The problem with my homeboy Sazón is the ingredients in the most common brand. Anyone who wants to transition to a healthier lifestyle should read the label on this bad boy. You thought Chinese food was laden with MSG...turns out puerto rican food with all the Sazón is just as big of a culprit. Boo.

Why put all the chemicals into your food when you can get the same great taste from something that's easy to make yourself - fresh! Store it in an airtight container and it will keep for 3 months.

Sazón
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground annatto seeds
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp sea salt

Mix all of the ingredients together and store the sazón in an airtight container. That's it! In recipes, use about 1 1/2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon for each packet of sazón called for.

Annatto seeds are what give the subtle orange hue to many dishes. Here are the seeds before and after being ground up. Use a coffee bean grinder to get them to a powder consistency. You can also substitute with paprika.