Sofrito is a versatile and flavorful base used in many Latin American and Spanish dishes. This aromatic blend of vegetables and herbs adds depth and richness to soups, stews, rice, and beans. Making your own sofrito at home ensures a fresh and vibrant taste that store-bought versions can't match.
If you don't typically have cilantro in your kitchen, it's an essential herb for this recipe, providing a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor. Additionally, green bell pepper and olive oil are crucial for the authentic taste of sofrito. Make sure to pick up these items during your supermarket trip.

Ingredients for Sofrito Recipe
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the sofrito.
Green bell pepper: Provides a mild, slightly sweet taste and vibrant color.
Tomato: Contributes acidity and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Infuses the sofrito with a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the mixture.
Olive oil: Helps to cook the ingredients and blend the flavors together.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for Sofrito
When blending the onion, green bell pepper, tomato, garlic, and cilantro, make sure to pulse the blender a few times before blending continuously. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients and ensures a smoother sofrito.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor that can mimic the taste of onions in sofrito.
chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a subtle onion-like flavor and can add a unique depth to the sofrito.
chopped green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers have a mild heat and a rich flavor that can enhance the complexity of the sofrito.
chopped green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and can add a different but pleasant flavor profile to the sofrito.
chopped tomato - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and can provide a consistent flavor and texture in the sofrito.
chopped tomato - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste offers a concentrated tomato flavor and can be diluted to achieve the desired consistency in the sofrito.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic in the sofrito.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor along with their onion notes, enhancing the sofrito.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous note similar to cilantro, though it lacks the distinct citrusy flavor.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with culantro: Culantro has a similar but stronger flavor than cilantro and can be used in smaller quantities in the sofrito.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and can be used as a cooking medium in the sofrito.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is another neutral-flavored oil that works well for sautéing the ingredients in the sofrito.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different color and taste to the sofrito.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral taste but will still enhance the flavors in the sofrito.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- To store your freshly made sofrito, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its vibrant flavors and prevents any condensation from watering down the mixture.
- For short-term storage, keep the container in the fridge. Your sofrito will stay fresh for up to one week, ready to enhance your soups, stews, and meat dishes.
- If you want to extend the life of your sofrito, freezing is an excellent option. Pour the cooled mixture into ice cube trays, filling each compartment about three-quarters full. This allows you to use just the right amount without defrosting the entire batch.
- Once frozen solid, pop the sofrito cubes out of the trays and transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
- When you're ready to use your frozen sofrito, simply take out the desired number of cubes and add them directly to your pan. No need to thaw; they will melt quickly, infusing your dish with their rich, aromatic flavors.
- For best results, use your frozen sofrito within three months. This ensures that the cilantro, onion, and garlic retain their robust taste and don't lose their punch.
- If you prefer, you can also freeze the sofrito in small, resealable plastic bags. Flatten the bags to remove excess air and stack them in the freezer. This method saves space and allows for easy portioning.
- Always make sure your containers or bags are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the texture and flavor of your sofrito.
- For added convenience, consider dividing your sofrito into portions that match your typical cooking needs. This way, you can grab exactly what you need without any waste.
- Remember, whether stored in the fridge or freezer, always use clean utensils to scoop out your sofrito. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents contamination.
How to Reheat Leftovers
For a quick and easy method, transfer the sofrito to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a stovetop method, pour the sofrito into a small saucepan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps retain the aroma and flavors of the ingredients.
For a more integrated reheating, add the sofrito directly to a dish you are cooking, such as rice, beans, or stews. This allows the sofrito to meld with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
If you have a small amount of sofrito, you can reheat it in a non-stick skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat, add the sofrito, and stir frequently until it is heated through. This method is quick and ensures that the sofrito doesn't stick or burn.
For those who enjoy a smoky flavor, consider reheating the sofrito on a grill. Place a heatproof dish on the grill over indirect heat, cover, and let it warm up, stirring occasionally. This adds a unique twist to the traditional sofrito flavor.
Best Tools for Making Sofrito
Blender: To blend all the ingredients until smooth.
Cutting board: For chopping the onion, green bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro.
Chef's knife: To chop the vegetables and mince the garlic.
Measuring cups: To measure 1 cup of chopped onion, green bell pepper, and tomato.
Measuring spoons: To measure 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Pan: To heat the olive oil and cook the blended mixture.
Wooden spoon: For stirring the mixture occasionally while it cooks.
Airtight container: To store the sofrito in the fridge once it has cooled.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-chop ingredients: Prepare onion, green bell pepper, tomato, and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Instead of chopping by hand, use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop all ingredients.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of sofrito and freeze portions for future use.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the salt and other spices beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
Heat oil while blending: Start heating the olive oil in the pan while blending the ingredients to save time.

Sofrito Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- 1 cup Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 1 cup Tomato chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 bunch Cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- 1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- 3. Pour the blended mixture into the pan and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4. Let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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