Adobo

Adobo is used extensively in Puerto Rico to season meats and poultry before cooking. It will keep for several days in the refrigerator, and can be frozen indefinitely. This recipe makes enough to season about 10 pounds of meat.

12 whole black peppercorns
6 cloves garlic, peeled
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lime juice

Combine all ingredients in an electric blender or food processor and process until well combined. Rub into meat thoroughly and refrigerate for several hours before cooking.

Makes about 1 cup.

Trinidadian Curry Powder

4 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons star anise
1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
4 tablespoons ground turmeric
4 tablespoons ground ginger

Roast the cumin and coriander in a dry saute pan until fragrant, just a few minutes. Grind all the ingredients, except turmeric and ginger, in a spice grinder (or use a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder reserved for spices only). Combine all the ingredients. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to several months.

Jamaican Jerk Sauce

1 bunch green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons dried thyme
1 cup peanut oil
1 cup soy sauce
1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger root , peeled and minced
10 cloves garlic , minced
8 habañero chile peppers, seeded and minced
6 bay leaves
1/2 bunch coriander , chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon ground allspice

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Use as a marinade or rub before grilling meat.

Sofrito

Sofrito is not only a common seasoning in many Puerto Rican dishes, but it is also frequently served at the table as a condiment. It will keep refrigerated for several days, and can be frozen in small batches for future use.

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 ounces lean cured ham, finely chopped
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the remaining ingredients and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Makes about 1 cup to serve 6 to 8 as a condiment.

Piri Piri

2 red chile peppers
1 cup olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
1 bay leaf

Combine chile peppers with olive oil, zest and bay leaf in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Leave it in a warm spot for two or three weeks. The longer you keep the Piri Piri, the hotter it will get. A few drops will enhance almost all Caribbean dishes, especially fish dishes.

Jamaican Jerk Paste

1 small white onion, peeled and quartered
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled
1 Scotch bonnet chile or a 1-inch long habañero,
    stem removed, halved and seeded, or to taste
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Purée all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer the jerk paste to a medium non-reactive mixing bowl.

To Use
Coat cubed meat with jerk paste. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator, stirring once, for at least 3 hours. Toss onion wedges, bell pepper, zucchini and cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Thread equal amounts of marinated meat and vegetables, alternating the ingredients, on 6 metal skewers. Broil the kebabs 1 to 2 inches from a preheated broiler, rotating them as they cook, until well browned on all sides. Or you can prepare a grill with wood chips or charcoal. When the fire is ready, place the kebabs on an oiled grill and cook until well browned. Transfer the kebabs to serving plates and serve with the rice dish of your choice.

Adobo

This sauce is basic to many Puerto Rican recipes. It appears on just about everything, either as a marinade or added as a seasoning. Try a little bit when cooking meat.

5 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup wine vinegar

Peel and mince garlic. Mix garlic, oregano, olive oil and wine vinegar together in a small jar. To use the adobo as a marinade for steak or other meats, allow the meat to marinate in it for 24 hours or so in the refrigerator.