Sazon
Description
Sazón is a savory Latin American spice blend that adds color and flavor to dishes such as rice, beans, stews, and meats. The name translates from Spanish to "seasoning". While specific ingredients and ratios vary by region and brand, the mix is well known for the golden-orange hue it imparts to food.
Key ingredients
While brands like Goya are widely known for commercial sazón packets, many cooks prefer to make their own to control the ingredients. Common ingredients include:
Achiote (Annatto): This is a key component that provides the blend's distinct reddish-orange color and contributes an earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
Cumin and coriander: These spices form the primary flavor base. Cumin adds warmth and earthiness, while coriander provides a mild, citrusy note.
Garlic and onion powder: These provide a savory, aromatic foundation for the blend.
Mexican oregano: This adds a warm, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy element.
Salt and pepper: Included to enhance the overall flavor.
Flavor profile
Sazón is known for its savory and earthy flavor profile, which does not contain significant heat.
Earthy and savory: The blend's primary notes come from cumin, coriander, and the onion and garlic powders.
Mildly peppery: Annatto provides a subtle peppery undertone.
Aromatic: A combination of ingredients like annatto, cumin, coriander, and oregano gives it a fragrant aroma.
Uses in cooking
Sazón is a versatile seasoning that can be used in many dishes to add authentic Latin American flavor.
Rice and beans: It is widely used to season rice and beans, giving them both a rich flavor and a characteristic golden color.
Meat and poultry: Sazón works well as a dry rub or marinade for chicken, pork, and beef. The spices penetrate the meat during cooking, creating a deep, savory taste.
Soups and stews: A teaspoon or two of sazón can add depth and warmth to dishes like pollo guisado (stewed chicken) or habichuelas guisadas (stewed beans).
Vegetables: It can be sprinkled on roasted or sautéed vegetables and is sometimes used on french fries or popcorn.
Type
Seasoning
