Colombian Guascas Blend

Ingredients

• 3 tbspdried guascas
• 1 tbspcumin
• 1 tbsporegano
• 1 tspblack pepper
• 1 tbspfine sea salt

Method

1. Begin by placing a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of dried guascas, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent burning and to ensure even toasting. You'll know the spices are ready when the aroma becomes rich and earthy, and the guascas leaves turn a slightly darker shade of green.
2. Once the spices are toasted, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the mixture to a large, shallow dish to cool. Spreading the spices out in a thin layer will help them cool more quickly and evenly, preventing any residual heat from continuing to cook the spices.
3. After the spices have cooled completely, transfer them to a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Grind the mixture until it reaches a uniform consistency, with no large pieces remaining. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed when used in cooking.
4. Once ground, transfer the guascas blend to an airtight container. Make sure the container is completely dry before adding the spices to prevent moisture from affecting the blend's quality.
5. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to protect the spices from light and heat, which can degrade their flavor over time.
6. For the best aroma and flavor, use the Colombian Guascas Blend within a few months. This ensures that the spices retain their potency and enhance the dishes they are added to, such as ajiaco and other Colombian soups.