Easy Sofrito

The aromatic base of countless dishes — and the best reason to grow peppers, onions and cilantro at home.

Ingredients

• 2 bell peppers and 2 red peppers
• 1 large onion, 1 whole head of garlic
• A generous bunch of cilantro, stems and all
• Culantro (Recao)
• Salt to taste and olive oil

Directions

1. Rinse and rough-chop everything — no need to be tidy about it.
2. Pulse in a blender or processor until coarse, not soupy.
3. Taste, then adjust garlic and cilantro to your liking.
4. Freeze in ice-cube trays and use a cube at a time all year.

Ways to Use Sofrito

1. Rice and Beans: Warm a cube in oil, add rice and stock — dinner in one pot.
2. Stews and Braises: Build the base first, then let chicken or vegetables simmer slowly.
3. Eggs and Toast: A spoonful in the pan turns weekend eggs into a real breakfast.