Achiote Chicken Skewers with Guava Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines marinated chicken skewers with a sweet and tangy guava sauce. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the information you requested:
What is Achiote Chicken Skewers with Guava Sauce?
Achiote chicken skewers are a popular dish in Latin American cuisine, particularly in regions like Mexico and the Caribbean. The dish features chicken pieces marinated in achiote paste, which is a seasoning made from annatto seeds, spices, and often citrus juice or vinegar. The marinated chicken is then threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The guava sauce is a sweet and fruity accompaniment that adds a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
History:
Achiote has been used as a spice and food coloring for centuries, with its origins traced back to indigenous cultures in the Americas. It was a staple in the diet of many ancient civilizations, including the Maya and the Aztec. Over time, achiote spread to other parts of the world and became an integral part of various regional cuisines.
Components:
Here are the key components for Achiote Chicken Skewers with Guava Sauce:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- Chicken pieces (commonly boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
- Achiote paste (readily available in stores or can be homemade)
- Citrus juice (such as orange juice or lime juice)
- Garlic
- Spices (like cumin, oregano, and paprika)
- Salt and pepper
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Guava Sauce:
- Guava fruit (fresh or guava paste)
- Sugar
- Lime juice
- Water
Steps to Prepare Achiote Chicken Skewers with Guava Sauce:
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the achiote paste, citrus juice, minced garlic, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade.
- Toss the chicken pieces to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Prepare the Guava Sauce:
- If using fresh guava, peel and seed the fruit, then blend it until smooth. If using guava paste, dissolve it in warm water to create a sauce.
- Add sugar and lime juice to the guava mixture and stir until well combined. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste.
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Skewer and Grill:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken skewers, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
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Serve:
- Serve the Achiote Chicken Skewers hot with the guava sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Achiote Chicken Skewers with Guava Sauce depends on marinating time, grill heat, and the size of the chicken pieces. On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, including marinating time.
Enjoy your delicious Achiote Chicken Skewers with Guava Sauce, a flavorful blend of rich spices and tropical sweetness!
While I don’t have access to specific nutrition facts for this recipe, I can provide some general health information and considerations for Achiote Chicken Skewers with Guava Sauce.
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Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Achiote Paste: Achiote paste is made from annatto seeds and spices, and it’s generally low in calories. However, its exact nutritional content can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used.
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Guava Sauce: Guava is a tropical fruit rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. However, guava sauce may contain added sugars, so it’s essential to use it in moderation if you’re watching your sugar intake.
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Calories: The total calorie content of the dish will depend on the portion size and the specific ingredients used. Grilled chicken tends to be relatively low in calories, while the guava sauce may add some sweetness and calories.
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Carbohydrates: Guava sauce may contribute to the carbohydrate content of the dish, primarily in the form of natural sugars from the fruit.
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Fats: Chicken, especially skinless chicken, is relatively low in fat. However, some fats may come from the achiote paste if it contains added oils.
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Sodium: Be mindful of the salt content in the achiote paste and any additional salt used during marination. You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste or dietary preferences.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This dish can provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C from the guava, as well as various nutrients from the chicken and spices used in the marinade.
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Fiber: While the dish may not be particularly high in fiber, guava sauce does contain some dietary fiber, which can contribute to digestive health.
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Customization: You can make the dish healthier by choosing lean cuts of chicken, using less achiote paste or a lower-sugar guava sauce, and controlling portion sizes to meet your dietary needs.
For precise nutritional information, it’s advisable to calculate the specific values based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use or consult a nutritionist or online nutrition calculator.
