Simple Nigerian Sofrito recipe

Simple Sofrito was inspired by the Puerto Rican Sofrito. It is a versatile blend of aromatic ingredients used to add flavour to food. I came across this condiment when I was trying to find a minced beef empanada filling different from my usual delicious Minced beef empanada filling. I needed something bold and suited to the very discerning Nigerian palate, something my guests will eat and say this is different but it tastes so gloriously awesome.

Sofrito is so easy to make and it is so, so flavoursome. Many Puerto Rican recipes rest on this condiment and it is what makes my Minced Meat Herb Empanada filling extra special.

If you will be using the simple sofrito quite often, make a big batch and store it in the freezer. There will be no need to thaw before using it. Sometimes it is the first thing that goes into the pot other times it is added towards the end of the cooking. You can add deseed tomatoes, scent leaf etc.

How to make Simple Sofrito

1 large green bell pepper (150g)
1 small red bell pepper (50g)
1 large onion (200g)
6-8 cloves garlic 
salt
1 bunch coriander (30g) (cilantro, chinese parsley)
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Wash and deseed green and red bell peppers.

Wash onions and cut them all into large chunks.

Peel garlic and rinse coriander.

In a frying pan over medium heat, heat the oil, add the peppers, onion and garlic.

Sprinkle some salt, stir and mix well.

Cook until onions are translucent. This will take about 10 to 20 minutes. Don’t let the vegetable brown.

Add your coriander and cook until it wilts.

Stir and take off the heat.

Using a food processor, blender or mortar and pestle, blend to get either a chunky or smooth blend of Sofrito. Add a little water if needed especially if using the blender.

Use your Sofrito as needed or keep it in the fridge for about 4 days or freezer for up to 2 months.

You can include this condiment in your fried rice, white rice, Stew, Easy Nigerian vegetable sauce, Easy Stir-fry Noodles, beans (refried beans), scrambled egg, omelette, as a dip, empanadas, meat pie etc. It can also be used as a marinade or topping sauce for roasting or grilling meat, fish or vegetables.

Note

• Don’t allow the vegetables to brown.
• Sofrito keeps 4 days in the refrigerator, freeze for longer storage.
• It can be used without thawing.

Simple Sofrito

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Simple Sofrito was inspired by the Puerto Rican Sofrito. It is a versatile blend of aromatic ingredients used to add flavour to food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine Nigerian, world

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

• 1 large green bell pepper 150g
• 1 small red bell pepper 50g
• 1 large onion 200g
• 6-8 cloves garlic
• salt
• 1 bunch coriander 30g (cilantro, Chinese parsley)
• 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

 

• Wash and deseed green and red bell peppers. Wash onions and cut them all into large chunks. Peel garlic and rinse coriander.
• In a frying pan over medium heat, heat the oil, add the peppers, onion and garlic. Sprinkle some salt, stir and mix well.
• Cook until onions are translucent. This will take about 10 to 20 minutes. Don't let the vegetable brown.
• Add your coriander and cook until it wilts. Stir and take off the heat.
• Using a food processor, blender or mortar and pestle, blend to get either a chunky or smooth blend of Sofrito. Add a little water if needed especially if using the blender.
• Use your Sofrito as needed or keep it in the fridge for about 4 days or freezer for up to 2 months.
• You can include this condiment in your fried rice, white rice, stew, Easy Nigerian vegetable sauce, Easy Stir-fry Noodles, beans (refried beans), scrambled egg, omelette, as a dip, empanadas, meat pie etc. It can also be used as a marinade or topping sauce for roasting or grilling meat, fish or vegetables.

Notes

• Don't allow the vegetables to brown.
• Sofrito keeps 4 days in the refrigerator, freeze for longer storage.
• It can be used without thawing.

Keyword condiments, health food, Seasoning

If you enjoyed the Simple Sofrito, you will also enjoy the Spicy Roasted Green Pepper Sauce, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Basic guacamole and my Minced Meat Herb Empanada filling.

Do you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below.

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