5-minute Homemade Sofrito

If you’ve ever wanted to bring bold flavors into your kitchen, this homemade Puerto Rican sofrito is the most important ingredient you need. Used in arroz con gandules, roast pork, beans, and stews, sofrito is the flavor base that sets Puerto Rican food apart.

This authentic Puerto Rican sofrito recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and can be stored for later use in ice cube trays or an air-tight container in the fridge. Whether you're cooking a big batch for the coming week or making small batches for daily meals, this great recipe is a guaranteed way to enhance any dish.

Let’s dive into this version of sofrito, inspired by Puerto Rican family traditions and traditional ingredients found in Latin grocery stores and farmers markets.

What Is Sofrito?

The word sofrito refers to a cooking base made from a mixture of aromatic ingredients like peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs, blended into a flavorful paste. While sofrito exists in different regions under different names, this authentic recipe is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine.

• The main difference between Puerto Rican sofrito and other varieties, like the French mirepoix, is the use of culantro leaves, ají dulce, and green bell pepper.
• Some variations, such as red sofrito, incorporate tomato sauce or tomato paste for added richness.
• In the Dominican Republic, a similar flavor base is used but often includes red bell pepper and green onions.

List of Ingredients

To make this homemade Puerto Rican sofrito, you’ll need these common ingredients, many of which can be found in Latin grocery stores, farmers markets, or even Asian stores under different names.

• 1 head garlic, peeled: A savory recipe essential.
• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
• 2 green bell peppers, seeds removed: The most important ingredient for authentic flavor.
• 1 bunch culantro leaves (long coriander): Adds a robust, herbaceous note.
• 1 bunch cilantro: Balances the strong flavor of culantro.
• 2 tablespoons adobo: A seasoning blend that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 tablespoons sazon: Adds color and depth to the sofrito.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps blend everything smoothly.
• OPTIONAL: Ají dulce (ají dulces or dulce peppers): These small sweet peppers bring a mild, slightly fruity flavor.

If you can’t find ají dulce, look for cubanelle peppers or sweet chili peppers at Asian markets.

How to Make Sofrito in Just 5 Minutes

This Puerto Rican recipe comes together in a food chopper or blender, making it incredibly fast and easy to make.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

On a cutting board, rough chop the onions, green bell pepper, ají dulce, and culantro leaves to make blending easier.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

Place all the ingredients into a food chopper or use a hand-held immersion blender with a little bit of water for smoother consistency. Blend until everything is combined into a fresh sofrito paste.

Step 3: Store for Later Use

• Refrigerate: Store 2 cups in a mason jar or air-tight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Pour the remaining sofrito into ice cube trays for later use. Each cube equals about two tablespoons of sofrito, perfect for cooking small batches.

This large batch of sofrito yields 4-5 cups, depending on the size of your produce.

Buen provecho!

How to Use Puerto Rican Sofrito

Sofrito is the perfect base for countless Puerto Rican dishes and other Latin American meals. Here are different ways to use it:

• Arroz con Gandules & Arroz con Pollo: The first thing you add to the pot for rich flavor.
• Stews & Beans: A few tablespoons of sofrito elevate soups, lentils, and beans.
• Meat & Poultry: Use it as a marinade for roast pork (pernil) or chicken.
• Tomato-Based Dishes: Stir in tomato sauce or tomato paste for a deeper flavor in stews.

Storage Tips

• Freezing: Sofrito lasts for months when stored in ice cube trays.
• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in a mason jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?

Yes! Some people prefer using red bell pepper for a slightly sweeter taste.

What if I can’t find culantro?

Culantro has a stronger flavor than cilantro, but if it’s unavailable, simply use more cilantro.

Is sofrito spicy?

No, but if you prefer heat, try adding scotch bonnet peppers or red pepper flakes.

Can I make sofrito without a blender?

Yes! Finely chop everything with a chef’s knife for a chunkier texture.

Where can I find ají dulce?

These small sweet peppers are available in Latin grocery stores or farmers markets under different names.

What’s the difference between sofrito and French mirepoix?

The main difference is that French mirepoix uses carrots, celery, and onions, while sofrito relies on peppers, garlic, and herbs.