Authentic Puerto Rican Sofrito

This authentic Puerto Rican sofrito is a versatile condiment loaded with peppers, garlic, and fresh herbs that you can use to flavor many dishes.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 29 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 10 sweet chile peppers (ajicitos dulces), seeded
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 1 bunch scallions, trimmed
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeded
• 25 cloves garlic, peeled and trimmed
• 2 bunches fresh cilantro, ends trimmed
• 2 bunches culantro
• 5 large leaves Caribbean wild oregano (oregano brujo)
• 0.25 cup water
• 0.5 cup olive oil, or more as needed
• 0.25 cup pimento-stuffed green olives

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cut green bell pepper and red bell pepper in half from top to bottom; remove stems, seeds, and ribs. Place peppers cut-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with 2 teaspoons olive oil.

Step 2

Roast under the preheated broiler until skin on peppers has blackened and blistered, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag. Seal to let peppers steam as they cool, about 15 minutes. Remove skins under running water and discard. Chop flesh into large pieces.

Step 3

Place pepper pieces, sweet chile peppers, onion, scallions, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, culantro, olives, oregano, and capers in a blender or food processor. Blend, adding 1/2 cup olive oil and water in batches, until mixture is pureed but some chunks remain.

Step 4

Divide blended mixture among four 16-ounce containers, filling each 3/4 of the way. Top each with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil to help preserve mixture. Close containers and refrigerate.

Step 5

Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.