Homemade Sofrito: Your Key to Flavorful Cooking

Name: Homemade Sofrito: Your Key to Flavorful Cooking
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, peeled; 1 bunch cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Unlock the secret to rich, aromatic dishes with this simple sofrito recipe.

Total

25 min

Servings

Makes about 2 cups

Level

Easy

Sofrito is the heart and soul of many Latin American dishes. This aromatic blend of vegetables and herbs serves as a flavorful base for meats, stews, beans, and rice. It's a versatile component that elevates everyday meals into something extraordinary.

Though the ingredients can slightly vary from region to region, the essence of sofrito remains the same: a vibrant mixture that infuses depth and warmth into your cooking. Making it at home means you can tweak it to your liking, ensuring that every dish has your personal touch.

With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up a batch of sofrito in no time. It's easy to store, making it a convenient way to add flavor to your dishes throughout the week.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

8 items · Makes about 2 cups

1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

02How to make it

Step-by-step

Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the green and red bell peppers into small pieces. Dice the onion. Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
Combine Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the chopped peppers, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined.
Season the Mixture
Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse again to mix the seasoning thoroughly with the vegetables.
Cook the Sofrito
Transfer the mixture to a skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Cool and Store
Allow the sofrito to cool. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

Make a large batch and freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
If you don't like cilantro, try using parsley instead.
For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño to the mix.

Cook's note

Sofrito is a foundation for many delicious dishes, perfect for cooks wanting to explore Latin American flavors.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes, but you may need to work in batches and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is evenly chopped.

How long can I store sofrito in the freezer?

Sofrito can be frozen for up to three months. Freeze in small portions for convenience.

What dishes can I use sofrito in?

Sofrito is great in rice, stews, beans, and as a marinade for meats.

05Per serving

Nutrition Facts

Makes about 2 cups

Amount per serving

Calories129

% Daily Value*

Total Fat7.2 g: 9%
Saturated Fat1 g: 5%
Cholesterol0 mg: 0%
Sodium1110 mg: 48%
Total Carbohydrate15 g: 5%
Dietary Fiber3.9 g: 14%
Total Sugars7.4 g
Protein2.2 g: 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimated from the ingredient list; actual amounts vary with brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.

05Keep cooking

Snacks

Homemade Labneh

Homemade labneh is thick, tangy strained yogurt that turns a tub of plain yogurt into a creamy spread. Serve it with olive oil, herbs, pita, vegetables, or anything that likes a little cool, salty richness.

10mAbout 2 cupsEasy