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Home » Recipes » Plant-Based Dinner Recipes

Puerto Rican Sofrito (with Easy-to-Find Ingredients)

Can't find all the ingredients that go into a Puerto Rican sofrito? Here's a version using easy-to-find ingredients. Just as delicious, refreshing, and perfect as a cooking base for Puerto Rican recipes.

Homemade Puerto Rican sofrito in a mason jar.
by Aly Michell Dated: July 7, 2019 Last Modified: December 4, 2024 29 Comments
44113 shares
(This post may have affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.)
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Jump to:
  • What Is Sofrito?
  • How To Make Puerto Rican Sofrito
  • How To Store & Preserve Sofrito
  • Can You Eat Sofrito Raw?
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Sofrito 
  • Recipes Using Puerto Rican Sofrito
  • Homemade Puerto Rican Sofrito Recipe

If you have ever eaten Puerto Rican cuisine, chances are, you’ve had Puerto Rican sofrito without even knowing it.

For a long time, I would ask my abuela to make a large batch of sofrito or recaíto for me, because I thought it was complicated to make. But she only had to show me once and I learned how easy it was to make it.

Learn more on the ins-and-outs of sofrito in my What Is Sofrito blog post.

Note: this recipe is for those who do not have access to all of the traditional ingredients for Puerto Rican sofrito, but still want to make it with easy-to-find, accessible ingredients. There are other variations for this recipe - this is mine and my family's due to limited access.

What Is Sofrito?

Homemade, Puerto Rican sofrito, a blended vegetables including bell peppers, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Blended and stored in a canning jar.

Sofrito, sometimes called recaíto, is a blend of fresh vegetables. Dropped into a pan of hot-popping oil, sofrito crackles at the start of the cooking process.

Different regions and even households will have their own versions of making sofrito. For example, in Spain, you can find sofrito made with garlic, onion, peppers, and tomatoes.

Sofrito is similar to the concept of mirepoix, which serves as a cooking base. The purpose of sofrito is to be used as an aromatic cooking base for dishes including sauces, stews, and soups.

Sofrito can be found at grocery stores, however, I highly recommend making it yourself. It hardly tastes the same and it's not worth the disappointment.

I've tried both the shelved and frozen pre-made grocery sofrito and they should just be left there.

Note: this recipe is for those who do not have access to all of the traditional ingredients for Puerto Rican sofrito, but still want to make it with easy-to-find, accessible ingredients. There are other variations for this recipe - this is mine and my family's due to limited access.

Learn more on the ins-and-outs of sofrito in my What Is Sofrito blog post.

How To Make Puerto Rican Sofrito

Puerto Rican-style sofrito does not require any cooking.

All you need to do is to chop them into large chunks, throw them into a blender, and blend until chunky (not a puree). You’ll typically use about 1-2 tablespoons of sofrito in a dish. 

Chopped cilantro, onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and garlic in a large bowl.

Ingredients Included In Sofrito:

Ingredients:

  • 1 yellow or white onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 garlic head
  • 1 bunch cilantro  (2 ounces/~56 grams)

How to Make it:

  1. Chop the ingredients into large chunks.
  2. Add the chunks to a blender.
  3. Blend until the mixture is chunky, avoiding a puree consistency.
  4. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of sofrito in a dish as needed.

H

Because I am not in close proximity to Latin grocery stores, or stores that have everything I need, I use what I can find, making some adjustments to the recipe. That means, unfortunately omitting ajies dulces.

Your sofrito will still be wonderful and delicious, even without ingredients like ajies dulces.

Always remember: every recipe, no matter how uniquely traditional to your household, will have its variations - even within the same region.

So, if you see a plethora of recipes with a slightly different ingredient list, that’s why. 

How To Store & Preserve Sofrito

Sofrito can be stored and preserved in an air-tight container or reusable silicone bag in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for months.

To thaw sofrito from the freezer, simply move it from the freezer and into the refrigerator. It should be completely thawed in a day.

I recommend storing sofrito in the freezer if you do not intend on using it in a few days. After awhile, it will begin to lose its color and aroma. Any longer, you'll know right away that is has gone bad.

Sofrito hack: I pour and store the sofrito into an ice tray so I can just pop a couple out and defrost when it's time to cook.

Can You Eat Sofrito Raw?

Puerto Rican sofrito is used as a cooking base. Similar to how many dishes start with onions or garlic, many Puerto Rican dishes start with sofrito.

Some regions may have different ways to use this aromatic base, but in my household and in my family's generations, we cook sofrito at the beginning of a recipe and we don't serve it raw.

But that doesn't mean a challenge can't be made. I made an EPIC, creamy rigatoni pasta made with raw sofrito and ripe avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sofrito 

Why do Puerto Ricans use sofrito? 

Puerto Ricans use sofrito as the flavorful base for many traditional dishes, adding depth and aroma. It's a staple ingredient that brings together herbs, peppers, and aromatics for authentic Puerto Rican cooking.

What does sofrito taste like? 

Sofrito has a savory, herbaceous flavor with a hint of sweetness and freshness, thanks to its mix of onions, peppers, garlic, and cilantro. The exact taste depends on the ingredients and their proportions.

What is the difference between Puerto Rican sofrito and Dominican sofrito? 

Puerto Rican sofrito typically uses culantro, ají dulce, and sometimes tomatoes, giving it a vibrant green color. Dominican sofrito, or sazón, often includes tomato paste and has a redder hue with a slightly different flavor profile.

What’s Puerto Rico’s national dish? 

Puerto Rico's national dish is arroz con gandules, a savory rice dish cooked with pigeon peas, sofrito, and spices. It’s a must-have at holiday gatherings and celebrations.

What onion is best for sofrito? 

Yellow onions are the go-to for sofrito because of their balanced flavor, but white onions work well, too. Both provide a solid aromatic base without overpowering other ingredients.

What is sofrito called in English? 

Sofrito translates to "sautéed" or "stir-fried" in English, but it’s more commonly known as a cooking base or seasoning blend. Its exact name can vary depending on the culture.

What are the top 3 Puerto Rican foods? 

Arroz con gandules, mofongo, and tostones are iconic Puerto Rican dishes. They showcase the island’s love for bold flavors, plantains, and vibrant spices.

Can I use salsa instead of sofrito? 

Salsa and sofrito are not interchangeable because they have different flavors and uses. Salsa is a topping, while sofrito is a cooking base that builds depth in dishes.

Recipes Using Puerto Rican Sofrito

Drop a heaping spoonful of sofrito in these plant-based, Puerto Rican recipes:

  • Vegan picadillo with Spanish green olives and potatoes in a serving bowl.
    Vegan Puerto Rican Picadillo
  • Puerto Rican yellow rice in dutch oven.
    Puerto Rican Yellow Rice (Arroz Con Gandules)
  • Puerto Rican arroz con habichuelas in a small bowl
    Puerto Rican Rice with Beans (Arroz Con Habichuelas)
  • Homemade Puerto Rican sofrito in a mason jar.
    Puerto Rican Sofrito (with Easy-to-Find Ingredients)

If you want to make your Puerto Rican dish complete, try out fried sweet plantains.

It's time for that homemade sofrito to hit the oil!


Homemade Puerto Rican sofrito in a jar
Homemade Puerto Rican sofrito in a mason jar.

Homemade Puerto Rican Sofrito Recipe

Aly Michell
Homemade Puerto Rican sofrito recipe to use in a variety of Puerto Rican dishes including soups, stews, rice, and beans.
4.93 from 14 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Latin American, Puerto Rican
Servings 3 cups
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 yellow or white onion roughly chopped; red can also be used
  • 1 red bell pepper roughly chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper roughly chopped
  • 1 garlic bulb (entire garlic head/bulb; about 10-12 cloved) peeled
  • 1 bunch cilantro  (2 ounces/~56 grams) roughly chopped

Instructions
 

  • Add the onion, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro into a food processor or blender. Blend everything together until you have a chunky sofrito sauce.

Notes

  1. If you’re using a high-powered blender like a Nutribullet, blend in short pulses until chunky. 
  2. You can use regular yellow onion or white onion. If you only have red, that works too.
  3. The bunch of cilantro was about 2 ounces. 
  4. Blend the sofrito in parts. I did about 5-6 batches due to the size of my blender. 
  5. Some sofrito recipes call for olive oil or salt. I don’t add those because I like to control those particular ingredients during the actual cook. 
Use this homemade sofrito recipe with your Puerto Rican rice! 

Nutrition

Serving: 3cupsCalories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 642mgFiber: 7gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 4304IUVitamin C: 257mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
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Did you try out this Homemade Puerto Rican Sofrito Recipe?

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44113 shares
Category: All, No Oil, Plant-Based Dinner Recipes, Summer

About Aly Michell

Previous Post:Sweetened, cooked red split lentils with a drizzle of coconut milk and crushed walnuts in a bowl.Breakfast Lentils With Cinnamon Brown Sugar
Next Post:Puerto Rican Yellow Rice (Arroz Con Gandules)Puerto Rican yellow rice in dutch oven.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl

    April 04, 2021 at 7:30 am

    I love sofrito! It's a must in our house, food just doesn't taste as good without it. Over the years I add or leave out depending on what I have available but it's always good no matter what ingredients it has. It's the heart of our food in Puerto Rico. ♥️

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      April 06, 2021 at 8:29 am

      Yes, it's so good! It also makes cooking so much easier since you don't have to chop down base vegetables since sofrito has all of them already blended up.

      Reply
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Hi, My name is Aly Michell! I create plant-based recipes that are easy, accessible, using everyday cookware.

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