Sofrito is a versatile, aromatic puree of tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, onions, and garlic. It's the foundation of many Spanish influenced dishes. There are many variations of this recipe. This one uses ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store for those who do not live near a Caribbean or West Indian grocer.
Ingredients
2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
10 ajies dulces peppers, tops removed
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
4 onions, cut into large chunks
3 medium heads garlic, peeled
25 cilantro leaves with stems
25 leaves recao, or culantro
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
Directions
In a food processor, combine green peppers, red peppers ajies dulces, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Add cilantro, recao, salt, and pepper. Process to the consistency of semi-chunky salsa (not watery). Place in a ziplock freezer bag, and use as needed, or freeze in portions.
Recao is a popular Caribbean herb with many aliases. Among them, Culantro, long coriander, ngo-gai, and Mexican coriander. It may possibly be found in Latin grocery stores, or substitute with cilantro.
Aji Dulce is a common ingredient in Puerto Rican recipes. It is a small, sweet red pepper. If you can't find it, use red bell pepper.