A guide on how to make achiote oil, a popular ingredient in Latin America.  

Achiote Oil is used to flavor and color many dishes throughout Latin America. Achiote Oil couldn't be easier to make a home. It requires just too ingredients: annatto seeds and vegetable {or olive} oil. You can find annatto seeds at your local Latin supermarket or online. Annatto seeds give recipes an orangish red coloring.

You can use vegetable oil or olive oil. I prefer using a neutral vegetable oil to really let the annatto flavor shine. Achiote Oil is quite versatile. The infused oil can be used to give an orangish/reddish hue to certain dishes. From stews to rice, achiote oil gives a unique flavor and color.

I always have to be careful pouring this oil after the annatto seeds have been infused. I have a tendency to spill things and this oil is something that you don't want to spill. This oil will stain everything from your clothes to the kitchen counter. I like to strain the oil into a measuring cup and then carefully pour into a glass bottle. For extra precautions, you can always use a funnel to pour the oil into a bottle.

In the next few weeks, I plan on sharing a few Latin American inspired recipes using this oil. Be sure to like us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bloglovin' for new posts!

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How to Make Achiote Oil

Yield: Makes about ½ Cup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

A guide on how to make achiote oil, a popular ingredient in Latin America. Achiote Oil is used to flavor and color many dishes throughout Latin America.

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Ingredients

• ½ Cup Vegetable Oil {or Olive Oil}
• 2 Tablespoons Annatto Seeds

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan add the vegetable oil and annatto seeds. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Lower heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the turns a bright red color. Turm off the heat and remove from the burner.
2. Let the oil cool. Once the oil has cooled, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the oil into a glass storage bottle or container. Disregard the seeds.
3. Store the oil at room temperature.

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XO Jeni