Aromatic Spiced Coffee Rub for Meat

Annacia's Note:

Like a marriage of two fiery and hot-headed people, the pairing of spiced coffee with a strongly-flavored meat (such as venison) might seem odd; yet this versatile rub both tames and accentuates the meat sumptuously — the sharpness of the coffee and the aromatic notes from the star anise and clove will balance the gaminess of the venison. No further preparation is needed other than a slow roast to marry these powerful and strangely complementary lovers.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 cup

• 8 whole star anise
• 6 cloves
• 4 tablespoons whole coffee beans
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon pink peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 tablespoons gray salt
• 1 tablespoon muscovado sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Grind the spices together in a spice grinder, careful to let the contents settle before removing the lid.
2. Mix well in a bowl with salt, sugar, and garlic powder.
3. Rub on beef roast or venison and let sit for at least 2 hours.
4. Roast the meat as directed by your recipe.
5. [Chef’s Note: This rub can also be used for grilling meats such as beef, chicken, duck and pork, although the coffee flavor will be quite strong if the meat is not slow-roasted. For grilling, it is suggested using only 2 tablespoons of coffee beans, and using the rub as a seasoning, rather than completely covering the meat.].

Reviews

[Cookgirl]

Not good at all...in fact it was fabulous! I pulled out all the stops and used fresh sage from our garden and an extra special dark roasted and full bodied coffee bean from Brew Master's called 'Deadman's Reach'. We tested this rub on fresh local pork chops (1" thick!) Qualifies to be added to Cookgirl's Hidden Gem recipe file that's for sure! Pork chops were served with two of my posted recipes: roasted asparagus with sun dried toms and wild rice pilaf mix accompanied by extra-extra sour sourdough. A very memorable birthday meal! Thank you for posting this delicious recipe. cg