Description
This classic Puerto Rican vegan sofrito recipe uses aji dulce peppers for an authentic, flavorful base for all your plant-based Latin dishes. It’s a versatile condiment perfect for rice, beans, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 6–8 aji dulce peppers, seeded
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 head of garlic, about 10–12 cloves, peeled
- 1 bunch cilantro, including stems
- 1/2 bunch culantro (recao), or extra cilantro if unavailable
- 4–5 scallions, roots trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Salt to taste (optional)
- 1 Roma tomato (optional, for wetter blend)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for longer storage)
Instructions
- Wash all produce thoroughly. Remove seeds and stems from bell peppers and aji dulces.
- Roughly chop all vegetables into chunks, especially if using a blender.
- Add garlic, onion, bell peppers, aji dulces, scallions, cilantro, and culantro to a food processor or blender.
- If using a blender, add a splash of olive oil or water to aid blending.
- Pulse in short bursts, scraping down the sides as needed, until a chunky, unified texture is achieved, similar to pesto. Avoid pureeing.
- Taste for balance. Add a small tomato for mellowness or a dash of apple cider vinegar for tang if desired.
- Transfer the Puerto Rican vegan sofrito to airtight jars or portion into ice cube trays. Freeze cubes and transfer to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage.
Notes
- Sofrito keeps in the fridge for about 1 week.
- Sofrito keeps in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Aji dulce peppers are sweet, not spicy. Do not confuse them with habaneros.
- Ice cube trays provide convenient one-tablespoon portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Recipe Component
- Method: Blending/Processing
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: Approx. 15-20 (without oil/salt)
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Low (if salt-free)
- Fat: Low
- Saturated Fat: Low
- Unsaturated Fat: Low
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Low
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: Low
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Puerto Rican vegan sofrito, vegan sofrito, plant-based sofrito, sofrito recipe, aji dulce sofrito, sofrito base, sofrito ingredients, sofrito without meat, sofrito for vegan cooking