READY IN 15 mins

Achiote Paste

Read Reviews (12)

"This is the recipe for the paste used to make Puerco Pibil...you know, so you don't have to go buy the weak stuff." — AbsolutGillian

Directions

With a spice grinder, grind the annatto seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, allspice berries, and cloves to a fine powder.
In a blender or food processor, mix the ground spices, habanero peppers, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth. Mix in the lemon juice and tequila.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 15 mins
READY IN 15 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jun 11, 2004

This is the same recipe from Once Upon a Time in Mexico. I've made it a bunch of times, and given out the recipe to everyone who's tasted it! When you cook the pork, make sure to marinade at least a few hours, and then wrap VERY tightly in foil, otherwise it'll dry out.

—MADBALL

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Jun 14, 2010

This review is written at stage 2 after "blend until smooth" using food processor (so, prior to adding lemon juice). I have a liquid slurry, nothing resembling paste. Disappointing after spending the time to powder the seeds in a mortar following the electric spice mill treatment. My bad for not checking other sources before starting -- the 5 star review here biased my expectations.

—John

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14 Ratings

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Mar 17, 2004

This version of the classic recipe is very similar to the one used in the director Robert Rodriguez' Puerco Pibil recipe (see the 10 Minute Cooking School segment in the extras of the Once a Time in Mexico DVD). Makes a big difference to make it from scratch rather than using the packaged stuff - mmmmm - I'm hungry now

—ANDRE3000

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Nov 03, 2007

I'm from where the Cochinita Pibils Originates,and I was happy to find this recipe. I have made it so many times I lost count, everybody in my family like it and my sister and brother say it the same taste they remember. I'll give the recipe 5 star. I just wish the Ingredients were ground and not whole. Thank You for sharing your Recipe.

—Lupe

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Feb 17, 2008

Very nice recipe. I love the mix of the ingredients. I think to perfectly balance it for my taste buds next time I will leave out one of the lemons.

—Danyul

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Nov 10, 2011

This recipe is absolutely wrong. There is WAY too much liquid in here to get a paste. I am about to try again with 1/2T orange juice, 1/2T vinegar, juice from 1 lemon.

—boylan

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Apr 24, 2011

I used 1/2 the lemons and measured correctly. And I have liquid. I knew in my heart it was not going to work out. Very frustrating.

—BigBen

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Jan 15, 2010

I was starting to take notes from Robert Rodriguez's Once Upon a Time in Mexico with intentions of uploading the recipe when I discovered u beat me to it! Now I'm gonna have to go kill the cook. ;)

—Jim

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Nutrition

Calories
46 kcal
2%

Carbohydrates
13.6 g
4%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
0.6 g
< 1%

Fiber
5.1 g
20%

Protein
1.8 g
4%

Sodium
1749 mg
70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Achiote Paste

Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 46
Calories from Fat: 5

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.6g < 1 %
** Saturated Fat 0.1g < 1 %
** Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 1749mg 70 %
** Potassium 171mg 5 %
Total Carbohydrates 13.6g 4 %
Dietary Fiber 5.1g 20 %
Protein 1.8g 4 %
** Sugars 1.4g
Vitamin A 2 %
Vitamin C 104 %
Calcium 9 %
Iron 24 %
** Thiamin 6 %
** Niacin 3 %
** Vitamin B6 8 %
** Magnesium 5 %
** Folate 6 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.