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Caribbean House Rub

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Caribbean House Rub

Born from the vibrant culinary traditions of the Caribbean, this house rub is a pantry staple, embodying the region's love for bold and earthy flavors. Traditionally crafted to season a variety of meats and vegetables, it finds its place in kitchens year-round, adding depth and character to everyday meals. Its blend of spices whispers tales of trade routes and cultural exchanges that have shaped the islands' diverse cuisine.

The rub's aroma is a warm embrace of cumin and paprika, with a hint of citrusy coriander that lingers on the palate. The fine sea salt enhances every note, while black pepper adds a subtle heat that ties it all together. This versatile blend transforms any dish into a Caribbean delight, a simple sprinkle away from transporting your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the islands.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspground cumin
  • 2 tbsppaprika
  • 1 tbspground coriander
  • 1 tspblack pepper
  • 1 tbspfine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by placing a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of ground cumin, 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. Stir the spices continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent burning, allowing them to toast until they release a fragrant aroma and the colors deepen slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Once the spices are toasted, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the spices to a plate to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial as it prevents the spices from clumping when combined with salt and ensures an even grind if needed.
  3. After the spices have cooled, place them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt to the mix. Grind or mix the spices until they are evenly combined and the texture is uniform. This step ensures that each spoonful of the rub will have a balanced flavor.
  4. Transfer the Caribbean House Rub to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to preserve the freshness of the spices. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to protect the spices from light and moisture.
  5. For optimal flavor, use the Caribbean House Rub within a few months. This will ensure that the spices retain their vibrant aroma and potency, enhancing your dishes with authentic Caribbean flavors.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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