Sofrito
PUERTO RICAN SOFRITO
✨ The Flavor Base That Elevates Every Meal
Want to know the secret behind the bold, rich flavor in Puerto Rican dishes like arroz con gandules, habichuelas guisadas, and pernil? It’s all about sofrito — a homemade blend of fresh herbs, peppers, garlic, and spices that forms the aromatic base of countless meals.
In today’s video, I teamed up with my mom, Jacques, who taught me everything I know about Puerto Rican cooking. Together, we’re showing you how to make our family’s go-to sofrito recipe that’s freezer-friendly and full of flavor.
THIS SOFRITO RECIPE IS THE BASE FOR EVERYTHING
Homemade sofrito adds depth, richness, and authenticity to any dish. Whether you’re making beans, stews, or rice, this blend delivers unmatched sabor. And the best part? You can freeze it in batches for easy use throughout the week!
🥬 INGREDIENTS
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 2 large red bell peppers, cored and seeded
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 full bags of peeled garlic cloves
• 4 packets of Goya Sazón con Culantro y Achiote
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: A pinch of salt if not freezing
🔥 INSTRUCTIONS
Prep the Veggies
Roughly chop the cilantro, bell peppers, and onion to help your blender do the work.Load the Blender
Add half the ingredients, including 2 packets of Sazón and a splash of olive oil. Blend until smooth.Add & Blend the Rest
Add the remaining cilantro, onion, garlic, and Sazón. Blend again until everything is fully combined.Adjust Texture
Add more olive oil if the mixture is too thick. Taste and adjust salt as desired.Portion & Freeze
Pour the sofrito into silicone ice cube trays. Freeze solid, then transfer cubes to a Ziploc bag for long-term storage.
🧠 PRO TIPS FROM MOM JACQUES
• Add culantro if you can find it for an even more authentic taste
• Use silicone ice cube trays for easy portioning
• Drop frozen cubes directly into hot pans or sauces – no need to thaw
• Great as a marinade for meats or a seasoning base for rice and soups
🍽️ WAYS TO USE SOFRITO
• Arroz con gandules
• Chicken stews or beef guisados
• Beans, lentils, and soups
• Marinades for grilled meats
• Tomato-based sauces
❤️ FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about passing down love and tradition. My mom learned from her in-laws, and now I get to share that legacy with all of you.
Try it, taste it, and make it your own. And if you do, tag @romesmealprep so we can see your take on this kitchen staple.