Recipe: Achiote Shrimp

Achiote Shrimp

6 oz achiote paste (recipe follows)
2 shallots, roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup fresh crushed garlic
1 quarts canola oil

Puree all ingredients to form a paste

For the Shrimp:
Saute the shrimp in enough achiote paste to coat.

Achiote Paste:
2 tbsp annatto seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp oregano
6 allspice berries
1 tsp sea salt
4 garlic cloves -- pressed
4 tbsp lime juice

Combine the annatto seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, allspice berries, and salt in a spice mill or coffee grinder. Grind to a powder like consistency. In a small bowl, mix the powder with the garlic and lime juice. Store in an airtight container, in the refrigerator. Use for Cochinita Pibil or any grilled seafood.

Yield: about 1/2 cup