Toasted Spice Rub - Michael Chiarello |
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Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 3 Minutes |
Ready In: 8 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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This spice mix from Michael Chiarello and NapaStyle goes well in many different dishes. It and his Fennel Spice are mixes well-worth keeping a steady supply of! Ingredients:
1/4 cup fennel seed |
1 tablespoon coriander seed |
1 tablespoon black peppercorns |
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes |
1/4 cup pure california chili powder (1 ounce) |
2 tablespoons kosher salt |
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon |
Directions:
1. Read this recipe all the way through before beginning, get your spices and equipment (skillet, plate, blender, alternate method grinder, and storing container) ready. 2. In a small, heavy skillet over medium heat, toast the fennel, coriander, and peppercorns. 3. Watch carefully, because when the fennel turns a light brown you’re going to work quickly: turn on the hood exhaust fan on your stove, then add the red pepper flakes and stir well for 30 seconds. 4. Turn the mixture onto a plate to cool. 5. When cool, place mixture in a blender together with the chili powder, salt, and cinnamon; blend until all are evenly ground. 6. (Alternately, you can use a spice mill/coffee grinder/mortar and pestle to grind the fennel, coriander, peppercorns, and chili flakes, then toss resultant powder with the remaining ingredients). 7. Transfer the spice rub into a glass jar and store in a cool, dry place; you can also freeze the mixture. 8. Note: if you prefer a mixture that is less spicy-hot, make sure you use mild California chili powder and/or begin with fewer red pepper flakes, then add to your preference; California chiles in powder are generally less hot and more sweet. 9. On chicken: sear a chicken in a little olive oil, let cool, pat the rub generously over the bird, then roast it. 10. Use as dry rub or dry marinade: rub into meat or poultry, refrigerate 4 hours, bring to room temperature, then roast, pan-sear, or grill. 11. Finishing rub: blend with just enough olive oil to make a paste, then use as a marinade or to finish grilled steaks and seafood. 12. Other uses: toss with vegetables before pan-roasting, or add to soups and stews. |
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