Best 4 Moms Homemade Sofrito Recipes

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## **Sofrito: A Culinary Journey Through Latin Cuisine** ##

Sofrito, a cornerstone of Latin cuisine, is a flavorful sauce or base used to enhance the taste of various dishes. This versatile culinary creation can be found in many Latin American countries, including Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia, each with its unique interpretation.

At its core, sofrito is a combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices that are sautéed in oil until they release their flavors. The most common ingredients in sofrito include bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, and culantro, a unique herb that adds a distinctive flavor.

Sofrito's versatility is evident in its diverse applications. It serves as a foundational ingredient in stews, soups, and rice dishes, contributing depth and complexity to their flavors. It can also be used as a marinade for meats, poultry, and seafood, infusing them with its vibrant flavors.

In this article, we present three distinct recipes that showcase the culinary range of sofrito. The first recipe, "Mom's Homemade Sofrito," offers a classic Puerto Rican sofrito that strikes a perfect balance between savory and aromatic flavors. The second recipe, "Cuban Sofrito," introduces a unique blend of spices and herbs that give it a distinct Cuban flair. Lastly, our "Colombian Hogao," a sofrito variation from Colombia, features a rich tomato base and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements traditional Colombian dishes.

Join us on this culinary adventure as we delve into the world of sofrito, exploring its history, variations, and the multitude of delicious dishes it enhances. Let your taste buds embark on a journey through the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine, guided by the magic of sofrito.

Let's cook with our recipes!

AUTHENTIC PUERTO RICAN SOFRITO RECIPE



Authentic Puerto Rican Sofrito Recipe image

Sofrito is a base used in traditional Hispanic cooking for stews, beans, and meat.

Provided by Latina Mom Meals

Categories     Sauce

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 8

5 green peppers (seeded and chopped)
2 red peppers (seeded and chopped)
4 cubanelle peppers (seeded and chopped)
1 pack or about 12 aji dulce peppers (seeded and chopped)
5 cups Spanish onions (chopped)
1 cup of garlic (chopped)
1 bunch of recao (chopped)
1 bunch of cilantro (chopped)

Steps:

  • Once everything has been rinsed and seeded, in small batches blend them in either a food processor or blender. (They may have to be done in batches. Onions are great on the bottom, they give off a lot of liquid once blended.)
  • Refrigerate in a sealed container. Freeze in small containers extras that will not be used within the next two weeks

SOFRITO



Sofrito image

Sofrito is a base frequently used in many Puerto Rican recipes to add bold flavor. Its texture and appearance is similar to a green salsa. You can also try it on chilies, enchiladas and tacos.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 10m

Yield 2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 whole garlic bulb
1 medium green pepper, quartered
1 medium onion, quartered
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 plum tomato, quartered

Steps:

  • Separate and peel garlic cloves. Place garlic and remaining ingredients in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped. , Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week. May also be frozen in small portions in resealable freezer bags for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 5 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 1mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SOFRITO



Sofrito image

Sofrito - a blend of garlic, onions, peppers and recao (culantro) - is the backbone of Puerto Rican flavor. Also referred to as recaito, it's typically sautéed in oil as the foundation for sauces, braises, beans, stews and rice dishes. It's also adaptable, and can yield a lighter, more verdant flavor if sautéed for 2 to 3 minutes, and a richer flavor if sautéed for 7 to 10 minutes and combined with tomato sauce. This recipe yields about 3 cups, which is probably more than you'll use for any recipe, but it keeps well. My grandmother often kept sofrito in the freezer stored in a repurposed plastic margarine container, or frozen into cubes and saved in plastic zip-top bags. If kept in the refrigerator, it's best if used within a week, but can be frozen for up to six months. You can also put it into a pan with hot oil straight from the freezer, though it may sputter a smidge.

Provided by Von Diaz

Categories     condiments

Time 5m

Yield About 2 1/4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into quarters
3 ají dulce or amarillo peppers (or mini bell peppers), seeded and coarsely chopped (see Notes)
6 large garlic cloves
1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
6 fresh culantro leaves and tender stems, coarsely chopped (see Notes)
6 fresh cilantro stems, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • In a large food processor or blender, blend the peppers and garlic until smooth.
  • Add the onion and blend until smooth, then add the culantro and cilantro, and blend until smooth. The sofrito will keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

MOM'S HOMEMADE SOFRITO



MOM'S HOMEMADE SOFRITO image

Categories     Pepper

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 pounds onions, coarsely chopped
3 red bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
3 green bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic

Steps:

  • Blend onions, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, cilantro, and garlic in a blender, in batches if necessary, into a smooth paste.
  • If paste appears very thick, thin with a little water.

Tips:

  • Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro instead. Just add it at the end of cooking.
  • You can also add other vegetables to your sofrito, such as onions, peppers, or carrots.
  • Sofrito can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and rice dishes.
  • Sofrito can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Sofrito is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and can be stored for later use. So next time you're looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your cooking, give sofrito a try!

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