Name: Dominican Sofrito (Sazón)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Dominican
Ingredients: 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 head garlic, peeled; 1 bunch cilantro, chopped; 1 bunch culantro (or additional cilantro if unavailable); 1 bunch green onions (scallions), chopped; 10 ajíes dulces (sweet chili peppers), optional; 1 tablespoon oregano; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon vinegar or lime juice; ¼ cup olive oil

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Dominican sofrito, also known as sazón, is a flavorful seasoning base made with a blend of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices. It’s an essential element in Dominican cuisine, used to infuse stews, beans, meats, and rice with bold, aromatic flavor. Made in batches and stored for convenience, it brings authentic Caribbean taste to everyday cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-Packed: Adds deep, complex flavor to any dish.
Time-Saving: Prepare once and use it throughout the week.
Versatile: Suitable for a variety of dishes including soups, rice, meats, and beans.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Green bell peppers
Red bell peppers
Yellow onions
Garlic cloves
Fresh cilantro
Culantro (optional)
Scallions (green onions)
Sweet aji peppers (ajíes dulces)
Apple cider vinegar or lime juice
Olive oil
Salt (optional)

Directions

Prepare Ingredients:
Rinse all vegetables and herbs thoroughly. Roughly chop them into smaller pieces for blending.
Blend:
Add all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Blend until a chunky or smooth paste forms, depending on preference.
Adjust Texture:
If needed, add a small amount of water or olive oil to adjust consistency.
Taste and Store:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer the sofrito into airtight jars or containers.
Refrigerate or Freeze:
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze in portions for longer shelf life.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 2½ cups
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add hot peppers like Scotch bonnet or jalapeño.
Green Sofrito: Focus more on herbs (cilantro, culantro, scallions) for a greener variation.
Cuban or Puerto Rican Twist: Add tomato, oregano, or annatto for a different regional flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to freezer bags for easy use.
Reheating: No reheating necessary. Add directly to hot pans or pots during cooking.

FAQs

What is the purpose of sofrito?

Sofrito acts as a flavor foundation, enhancing the taste of many savory dishes.

Is sofrito the same as sazón?

In Dominican cooking, sofrito and sazón are often used interchangeably, though sazón can also refer to powdered seasoning blends.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes, a blender works well. Add a little liquid to help the blending process.

How long does sofrito last?

It lasts up to 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Do I need to cook sofrito before using?

No, it’s added raw to recipes and cooked during the dish preparation.

Can I make sofrito without cilantro?

Yes, though cilantro is traditional, you can omit or replace it with parsley.

What dishes use sofrito?

Use it in beans, stews, rice dishes, meats, soups, and more.

Is culantro essential?

No, but it adds a distinctive earthy flavor. If unavailable, increase the cilantro slightly.

Why add vinegar or lime juice?

It helps preserve the sofrito and adds a touch of acidity for balance.

Can I can sofrito for long-term storage?

It’s better to freeze sofrito, as traditional canning methods may alter its fresh taste.

Conclusion

Dominican sofrito is a vibrant, aromatic seasoning blend that elevates everyday meals with authentic Caribbean flair. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can prepare a batch of this versatile flavor base and transform your home cooking into something truly special. Keep it on hand for quick and delicious dishes any day of the week.

Dominican Sofrito (Sazón)

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Dominican Sofrito, also known as sazón, is a vibrant, aromatic blend of herbs, vegetables, and spices used as a base for countless Dominican dishes. It adds depth and traditional flavor to stews, rice, beans, and meats.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Dominican
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Wash and chop all vegetables and herbs into manageable pieces.
Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor, including vinegar and olive oil.
Blend until a chunky or smooth paste forms, depending on preference.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze in portions for longer storage.
Use 1-2 tablespoons in recipes as a seasoning base.