Traditional Sofrito

Name: Traditional Sofrito
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 2 green bell peppers, finely chopped; 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

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Sofrito is the aromatic foundation for countless Spanish and Latin American dishes, bringing depth and richness to your cooking. This traditional sofrito recipe is a versatile base that can elevate everything from soups to stews with its robust flavors.

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Ingredients for Traditional Sofrito

Olive oil is the base fat that helps to sauté our vegetables, imparting a rich flavor. Onions add sweetness and depth, while the green and red bell peppers contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the mix. Garlic is a must for its aromatic intensity. The salt and black pepper are simple yet essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors. Paprika brings a smoky warmth, oregano adds herbal notes, and cumin provides a touch of earthiness. The bay leaf infuses the sofrito with subtle complexity, while the canned tomatoes lend acidity and a slight sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

For a smoother texture, blend the sofrito once it's cooled down.
Freeze in ice cube trays for handy single-use portions.
Experiment with different peppers to tweak the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Use this sofrito as a base for paellas or mix it into rice for an instant flavor boost. It's fantastic in soups, stews, and as a starter sauce for pasta dishes. You can also spoon it over grilled chicken or fish for a quick and tasty topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to peel and chop them finely before adding.
How long will sofrito keep in the fridge?: It should last about a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Is there a way to make it spicier?: Absolutely! Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Traditional Sofrito Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, pouring in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the onions. You’ll want to sauté them until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which should take about five minutes. This is where the magic begins, as the onions release their sweetness.

Next, toss in the finely chopped green and red bell peppers. Stir them around and let them soften, which will take about eight minutes. Their colors will become vibrant as they cook down, and the aroma will begin to fill your kitchen.

When the peppers are just about ready, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Stir it frequently, cooking for another two minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Now, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Stir everything together to ensure the spices coat the veggies evenly. You’ll notice the mixture becoming deeply colored, with a rich, inviting scent.

Drop in the bay leaf and add the chopped canned tomatoes. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. It’s done its job and can now be discarded.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Perfect for batch cooking and freezing for later use.
Adds incredible flavor to a variety of dishes, from paella to beans.
Customizable to your taste with a few easy tweaks.

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil

2 large onions, finely chopped

2 green bell peppers, finely chopped

2 red bell peppers, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 bay leaf

1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the green and red bell peppers, cooking until they soften, approximately 8 minutes.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin, mixing well to combine.

6. Add the bay leaf and chopped tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

7. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

8. Remove the bay leaf before serving or storing.

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