Sofrito (Sofrito desde Cero) (Submitted by Myrna Troiano)
Ingredients:
• 1/2cup olives pitted (optional) • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
• 3 large white onions peeled, rough chopped • 3 heads (about 25 cloves) garlic peeled, rough chopped • 1 pound aji dulce peppersstems and seeds removed • 1/2pound sweet peppersstems and seeds removed, rough chopped • 6 bunches (about 1/2 pound) cilantro (or cilantro) leaves ends removed, rough chopped • 3 bunches (about 1/3 pound) cilantro leaves only (triple if you're not able to find culantro)
How To Make:
1. To prepare for sofrito, rinse and dry the cilantro/culantro leaves, then trim about an inch off the stems’ ends. Roughly chop the leaves before adding them to the food processor or blender. 2. Rinse peppers under cold water, cut off the stem, remove seeds and membranes, then pat dry. 3. In a food processor (or blender) add the olives, capers, onion, and garlic cloves. 4. Pulse the ingredients together 10 times, or until coarsely chopped.Scrape down the bowl of the food processor with a rubber spatula. 5. Add the peppers to the bowl and pulse 8-9 times. Scrape down the bowl once more. 6. Pour out half of the pepper and onion mixture into a clean bowl. Add the culantro and cilantro leaves to the food processor and pulse until the leaves are broken down- this can be done in stages if necessary. 7. Return the pepper and onion that you reserved back to the food processor and pulse until the sofrito is semi-smooth (the consistency of chunky applesauce). 8. Transfer the sofrito into mason jars or into ice cube trays to freeze* for later use.
Behind the Recipe:
Making jars of Sofrito has always been a family tradition. I can’t remember a time my mom cooked without it. Make this sofrito once, and you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. It’s a Latin kitchen essential ingredient in Puerto Rican cuisine and many other Latin American recipes. This Sofrito recipe is the base for so many dishes, like soups, stews, roast pork, bistec, and beans, made with fresh cilantro, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and other ingredients. Use Sofrito as a flavoring base for any of your favorite savory dishes.
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