Sofrito(Basic Seasoning)
A flavorful basic seasoning blend featuring ham, herbs, and fresh peppers, ideal for enhancing soups, stews, and rice dishes with vibrant, savory notes.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 oz. lean cured ham, diced ⓘ
- 1 onion, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 sweet chili peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed ⓘ
- 6 fresh cilantro leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
- In a small frying pan, heat oil slowly.
- Add and brown rapidly diced ham.
- Reduce heat; add and sauté the rest of the ingredients for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and store in a Mason jar in the refrigerator.
- Use as needed to season soups, stews, chili, beans, or Spanish rice.
- Experiment and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or vinegar to the sautéed vegetables. If you're short on time, you can substitute the fresh cilantro with parsley or omit it entirely. For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with smoked paprika or a plant-based alternative. Adjust the heat by using different types of peppers based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Sofrito is a versatile seasoning that enhances a variety of dishes. Use it to flavor soups, stews, or beans, or mix it into rice dishes for added depth. It pairs beautifully with *Florentine Salad* or can be used as a base for *Greek Macaroni*. Experiment by mixing it into sauces or as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sofrito in an airtight Mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage, allowing you to easily add small portions to soups, stews, and sauces. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sofrito(Basic Seasoning) contains roughly 552 calories, with 14g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2521mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sofrito ahead of time?
Absolutely! Sofrito can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to a jar for storage.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you want a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the flavor. You could also use diced mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty texture. Just be sure to sauté them well to develop a rich flavor.
How can I adjust the heat level?
To control the spiciness, you can choose milder or hotter peppers based on your preference. If you prefer a milder sofrito, omit the sweet chili peppers or reduce the amount. Alternatively, adding a chopped jalapeño would increase the heat significantly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).