The article - Sofrito Recipe: The Flavor of Latin America - appeared first on Analida's Ethnic Spoon - Analida's Ethnic Spoon - Create easy ethnic recipes from around the world and learn about the best international cuisine.. Enjoy!

Originally published October 2013. Updated December 31,  2018 by Analida

So what? Sofrito!!!
What exactly is sofrito?

Sofrito is the base for most Latin American and Caribbean meals. It is used in stews, rice dishes, bean dishes and soups. Sofrito is not a single ingredient, but a tomato base concentrate, accented with garlic, onions, cumin, and jalapenos among other things. An arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), or carne guisada (stewed meat) would not be the same without the fabulous flavors sofrito imparts upon these dishes.

Why not homemade?

In Spanish, the word frito means fried. Loosely translated then sofrito can mean soft fried, which is kind of what we do to the ingredients when we prepare sofrito.

You can certainly buy sofrito in the grocery store, but why do so when it is so easy to make and costs pennies, literally per serving. As an added bonus, the sofrito you make at home is 100% natural, No preservatives. Believe me; you will never purchase the prepackaged stuff again, once you start making your own.

So, without any further delay, go to the recipe I have provided here for you and start making your own sofrito. Your stews will thank you!!! Muchas gracias!

Cook’s note:

• Since the home made sofrito does not contain any preservatives, it will not last more than three or four days in your refrigerator.
• You can however preserve your sofrito by freezing it into ice cubes by using a covered ice cube tray which can be found at most housewares stores.
• If you do not have one of these, you can use a regular ice cube tray and once they are frozen, remove them from the tray and put them in a container with a lid or in a ziploc bag. These will last several months in the freezer and you can add a cube or two to your next Latin dish.

Here are the visual steps to make your own sofrito at home.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients: tomato, jalapeño, garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, olive oil and cilantro.
Step 2: Heat the oil slightly and add the onions, garlic and tomato.
Step 3: Add the jalapeño.
Step 4: Stir fry slowly 3-5 minutes and do not brown the ingredients
Step 5: Add the spice mixture.
Step 6: Add the cilantro tied with butcher’s twine. Cover and cook on low for 20-30 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the cilantro and cook uncovered until the mixture is thick.
Step 8: Allow to cook and freeze into and ice cube tray for future use.

Here are some great recipes that use sofrito’s classic Latin flavors to try or bookmark for later:

You have to try some Latin style black beans and rice that use the flavors of sofrito and recaito.
Pernil is a slow roasted pork shoulder from Puerto Rico and very close to pulled pork but with a very different flavor profile from a BBQ pork. You will love this and want to keep it on hand in your freezer for an easy meal.
Mini beef empanadas are a meat filled pastry you can make a meal out of, or take to a party as an appetizer.

The article - Sofrito Recipe: The Flavor of Latin America - appeared first on Analida's Ethnic Spoon - Analida's Ethnic Spoon - Create easy ethnic recipes from around the world and learn about the best international cuisine.. Enjoy!