Toasted Cumin Lime Vinaigrette

Method6 steps · about 12 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Toast the 4 tsp cumin seeds over medium heat in a dry skillet for about 1–2 minutes, watching and stirring until aromatic without burning. Grind them to a fine powder in a molcajete or spice grinder and set aside.

   Dry-toast cumin 1–2 minutes until aromatic; watch closely · 2 minUses 4 teaspoons cumin seeds

2. 2

   Step 2: Finely chop the 2 garlic cloves and 1/4 jalapeño, then briefly crush them together in the molcajete.

   Uses 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped and crushed · 1/4 jalapeno

3. 3

   Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk the garlic-jalapeño mixture from step 2 with all the toasted ground cumin from step 1, 1/2 tsp initial salt, about 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, the measured 3 tbsp lime juice and a splash of red wine vinegar.

   Uses Crushed garlic and quarter-jalapeño mixture · All toasted and finely ground cumin · 1/2 teaspoon salt · About 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper · 3 tbsp lime juice (approximately 2 limes) · A splash of red wine vinegar

4. 4

   Step 4: Gradually whisk the 1/2 cup olive oil into the seasoned mixture from step 3, whisking continuously to combine.

   Uses Seasoned cumin, garlic and lime mixture · 1/2 cup olive oil

5. 5

   Step 5: Taste the dressing from step 4. Add up to the optional extra pinch of finishing salt only if needed; reserve any unused pinch. If it tastes too oily, whisk in a little extra lime juice OR red wine vinegar. If too tart, whisk in a little extra olive oil instead. Add these optional finishing adjustments gradually to taste.

   Uses Whisked cumin-lime dressing · Up to 1 extra pinch salt, only as needed; reserve unused · Extra lime juice if the dressing tastes too oily · Extra red wine vinegar instead of extra lime juice, if too oily · Extra olive oil if the dressing tastes too tart

6. 6

   Step 6: Serve the finished dressing from step 5. Promptly refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. The cumin may settle, so whisk or shake the cold dressing before serving again.

   Uses Finished adjusted cumin-lime vinaigrette