Annatto Paste

Ingredients

• 1/2-cup annatto seeds
• 1 cup vegetable or olive oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions

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.