Moroccan Spice Infusion Paste
Elevate your culinary creations with this aromatic Moroccan spice infusion paste. Perfectly balanced with the bold flavors of garlic and fragrant spices, this vibrant paste not only enhances roasted meats and vegetables but also adds a delightful twist to grains like rice and couscous. Marinate your favorite proteins, drizzle over grilled sausages, or simply mix with olive oil for a flavorful dressing. Allow the ingredients to meld together for at least an hour to unlock their full potential. This versatile paste will transport your taste buds to the heart of Morocco with every bite.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Garlic Cloves
4 (Minced or crushed)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Fine)
Cracked Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly cracked)
Lemon Juice
2 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Olive Oil
2 teaspoons (Extra virgin)
Instructions
1
Begin by mincing or crushing the fresh garlic cloves and place them into a mixing bowl.
2
Add the ground cumin, salt, cracked black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil to the bowl with the garlic.
3
Thoroughly combine all the ingredients until a smooth, cohesive paste forms.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least one hour. This will enable the flavors to meld and intensify.
5
After the resting period, use the spice infusion as a rub for your choice of meats or vegetables. For a lighter application, dilute the paste with additional olive oil to create a flavorful marinade or salad dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Spice Infusion Paste?
It is a vibrant, aromatic condiment made with garlic and Moroccan spices used to enhance meats, vegetables, and grains.
What are the primary ingredients in this paste?
The ingredients include fresh garlic cloves, ground cumin, salt, cracked black pepper, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I let the paste rest?
The recipe recommends letting the mixture rest for at least one hour at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced or crushed before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, you can use it as a thick rub or dilute it with additional olive oil to create a liquid marinade.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the Moroccan Spice Infusion Paste is entirely vegetarian and vegan.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and consistency.
How much cumin is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of ground cumin.
Can I use this for roasting vegetables?
Absolutely, it is designed to enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables.
Is this paste good for grains?
Yes, it adds a delightful Moroccan twist to grains like rice and couscous.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 fresh garlic cloves for this recipe.
Can I use this paste for grilling?
Yes, it is excellent as a rub for grilled sausages and other proteins.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe as written provides approximately one serving of paste, but it is easily scalable.
Can I turn this into a salad dressing?
Yes, by diluting the paste with more olive oil, it becomes a flavorful salad dressing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests using a fine salt for even distribution.
What type of pepper is best?
Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for a bold flavor profile.
Does this paste contain any sugar?
No, this is a savory spice paste with no added sugars.
Can I use a food processor to make this?
Yes, a food processor can help you achieve a very smooth and cohesive paste quickly.
How should I store the leftover paste?
Store any leftover paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, making it ahead of time actually improves the flavor as the spices have more time to infuse the oil.
Is the paste spicy?
It is aromatic and bold due to the garlic and cumin, but it does not contain hot chili peppers.
Can I substitute lemon juice with lime?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the traditional Moroccan flavor profile.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Moroccan, spice paste, marinade, condiment, and aromatic.
How do I ensure the paste is cohesive?
Thoroughly combine all ingredients until they form a smooth mixture before letting it rest.
Can I use this on fish?
Yes, the lemon and garlic combination makes it an excellent rub for various types of fish.
Is this a low-calorie condiment?
Yes, as it is based on olive oil and spices, it is a healthy way to add flavor without heavy sauces.
Can I add other spices like paprika?
While the base recipe uses cumin, you can certainly add paprika or turmeric for additional Moroccan flair.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
Yes, with 4 cloves per serving, the garlic provides a bold and prominent flavor.