Yucatecan Garlic-Spice Marinade

1. Prepare and Soften Garlic

Take one head of garlic, approximately 12 cloves, and cut a small slit in each clove. Place them in a microwaveable bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for about 30 seconds to soften the garlic for easy peeling. Allow to cool slightly before handling.

2. Peel Garlic

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, peel away the skins from each clove.

3. Blend Garlic and Ingredients

Using a blender or food processor, add the peeled garlic cloves one by one, ensuring each is thoroughly chopped before adding the next. Once all garlic is finely chopped, add the oil, vinegar, ground cloves, black pepper, Mexican cinnamon, oregano, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.

4. Store Marinade

Transfer the blended marinade to a small jar and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to a month or more.