Master Sofrito in 15 Minutes
Sofrito is a vibrant, aromatic flavor base central to Mediterranean, Latin American, and Caribbean cooking. This simple blend of finely chopped vegetables and herbs creates a deep, savory foundation for countless dishes, elevating soups, stews, rice, and beans with its rich character.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 large bell pepper any color
- 0.5 cup cilantro or culantro finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion, garlic cloves, bell pepper, and cilantro or culantro. Ensure all vegetables are diced very small for the best texture.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cilantro/culantro to the hot oil.
- Sauté the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant but not browned.
- Remove from heat and use immediately as a base for soups, stews, rice dishes, or freeze for later use.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the herbs; some regions use parsley or oregano. For a spicier kick, add a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper. Sofrito can be made in larger batches and frozen in ice cube trays for quick future use.