African Adobo Spice Mix Recipes

AFRICAN ADOBO-RUBBED TUNA STEAKS

Steps:

• For the salsa:
• In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocados, scallions, peppers, and garlic. In another bowl, whisk together the orange and lime juices, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Pour over the avocado mixture and gently toss. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, for the cucumbers: Mix the sugar and vinegar in a bowl, stirring well. Add the cucumbers and allow to marinate for about 15 minutes.
• To serve, arrange the cucumber in neat slices across each plate. Slice the tuna and lay it over the cucumbers. Spoon the avocado salsa on top of or around the tuna. Spoon a little of the pickling juices around the cucumbers, and serve. (Sometimes I add a little grated orange zest for garnish as well.)
• For the adobo:
• Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
• Rub each of the tuna steaks with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil and sprinkle generously with the adobo. (Reserve any extra adobo spice rub for another use.) In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil until it begins to smoke. Sear the tuna on each side for only 1 minute - the tuna is served rare. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Recommended wine: A cold-pressed sake would be an unexpected but welcome accompaniment.

AFRICAN SPICE MIX

Steps:

• Dry roast the sesame seeds over a medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
• Allow to cool, and then mix with the sumac and thyme.
• Stored in an airtight jar, the blend will keep for 3-4 months.

AFRICAN ADOBO SPICE MIX

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine all the ingredients.
• Store in an appropiately sized container (you could double or triple the amounts to make more, but start with this amount, before deciding whether you like it).