Sazón adds a warm, savory flavor and rich color to many dishes, but packaged seasoning blends can contain more sodium than I want in a meal. I started making my own version so I could enjoy the flavor while controlling the ingredients.
This homemade blend contains no added salt and works especially well in ground turkey, chicken, rice, beans, soups, stews, and pasta dishes. We use it in our Pasta Shells with Ground Turkey recipe instead of store-bought sazón.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground annatto or turmeric
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container or spice jar and store it in a cool, dry place.
Stir or shake the blend before each use. Start with a small amount, taste the food as it cooks, and add more as needed. Because the blend contains no salt, you can adjust the flavor without adding unwanted sodium.
Annatto provides the color and flavor traditionally associated with sazón. Turmeric can be used as a convenient substitute, although it produces a slightly different flavor.
Making this blend at home is quick, inexpensive, and another small way my family and I have learned to prepare flavorful food with less sodium.
