Quick & Easy Sofrito Recipe

Discover how to make authentic sofrito, the flavor base of many Caribbean and Latin dishes. This vibrant blend of herbs and peppers is essential for bold, home-cooked flavor.

Sofrito is the foundation of countless Caribbean and Latin American dishes, acting as the secret ingredient that transforms simple meals into unforgettable ones. This fragrant, herbaceous, and savory mixture serves as the starting point for stews, soups, rice, beans, and marinades, infusing every dish with layers of flavor.

Growing up, sofrito was a staple in our kitchen. It was more than just a cooking ingredient – it was a reminder of family traditions, Sunday dinners, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. This recipe is my personal take, inspired by Dominican flavors and passed down through my family.

The History of Sofrito:

Sofrito has deep roots that trace back to Spain, where it originally referred to a slow-cooked mixture of onions, garlic, and tomatoes. As Spanish colonizers and immigrants settled in Latin America and the Caribbean, the recipe evolved, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.

In the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, sofrito became a defining element of the cuisine, using fresh herbs, peppers, and aromatic spices to build flavor in everyday dishes. Each country and household adds its own twist, making sofrito a uniquely personal recipe.

Variations Across the Caribbean and Latin America:

• Puerto Rican Sofrito: Often includes culantro, recao, ají dulce, and sometimes tomato or sweet red peppers. It has a bright, fresh flavor.
• Dominican Sofrito (Sazon): Incorporates oregano, garlic, and cubanelle peppers, focusing on bold, herbaceous flavors.
• Cuban Sofrito: Uses tomatoes, bell peppers, and plenty of garlic, resulting in a rich and hearty flavor profile.
• Haitian Epis: A close cousin to sofrito, epis is made with bell peppers, garlic, parsley, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers, giving it a spicy kick. It’s a key base for Haitian stews and rice dishes.

What You’ll Need:

2 tsp salt

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper

1/2 pound of garlic cloves

1 bunch of cilantro

1 bunch of culantro

8-10 ají dulce (or two cubanelle peppers)

Juice of one large lime

1 tablespoon oregano

How to Prepare:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Rinse all herbs and peppers thoroughly. Peel the garlic cloves. Remove the seeds from the peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.
2. Blend:
   • Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a slightly chunky paste. The texture should not be too smooth – you want to see small flecks of herbs and peppers.
3. Store:
   • Transfer the sofrito to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in small portions for long-term use. Ice cube trays work great for freezing and provide easy-to-use portions.

How to Use Sofrito:

• Rice and Beans: Add a spoonful to your pot for rich, savory flavor.
• Stews and Soups: Use as a base for hearty stews or soups.
• Marinades: Rub onto meats or fish for a flavorful marinade.
• Eggs and Vegetables: Stir a little into scrambled eggs or sautéed vegetables for an extra punch of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe stays true to traditional Dominican flavors while incorporating fresh, vibrant ingredients.
• Versatile: Sofrito can be used in countless ways, making it an essential for your kitchen.
• Homemade Goodness: Store-bought sofrito can never match the flavor of freshly made, homemade sofrito.

Sofrito is more than just a blend of ingredients – it’s a cultural staple that carries history, family, and tradition in every spoonful. With this recipe, you’ll have a flavor-packed base that brings your dishes to life and keeps the spirit of Caribbean and Latin cooking alive in your kitchen.

Print Recipe

Sofrito

This vibrant blend of herbs and peppers is essential for bold, home-cooked flavor.

Author: Kurvey Kraves

Ingredients

• 1 green bell pepper deseeded and quartered
• 1 red bell pepper deseeded and quartered
• 1/2 lb garlic cloves
• 1 cilantro bunch
• 1 culantro bunch sub with parsely if culantro is unavailable
• 4-6 aji dulce (sweet peppers) sub with cubanelle or california pepper
• 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp if using ground oregano
• 2 tsp salt
• juice of one large lime

Instructions

• Blend all ingredients until you get a slightly chunky paste. 

Notes

• Store:
  • Transfer the sofrito to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in small portions for long-term use. Ice cube trays work great for freezing and provide easy-to-use portions.

  • How to Use Sofrito:

    • Rice and Beans: Add a spoonful to your pot for rich, savory flavor.
    • Stews and Soups: Use as a base for hearty stews or soups.
    • Marinades: Rub onto meats or fish for a flavorful marinade.
    • Eggs and Vegetables: Stir a little into scrambled eggs or sautéed vegetables for an extra punch of flavor.