Start your day right
I love to start my day with the Glowing Green Smoothie http://kimberlysnyder.net/blog/ggs/ .While I was enjoying my delicious smoothie for the first time my husband asked me, “are you drinking sofrito? “. I laughed… still do when I remember. Love the comparison, but sofrito is not the same as green smoothie, although equally healthy.
Sofrito is used for cooking I grew up listening to the Spanish word “Sofrito”. My mom and everyone that cooked mentioned it and used it. They make it in batches and freeze to share with others. Sofrito is a key ingredient in Caribbean homes. This aromatic concousion gives the delicious flavors to the Latin meals. When I started cooking for my family, I always relied on my mom or mother in law to provide me with sofrito, then I just started buying it at the grocery store since I was too busy working to prepare it on my own. A couple of years ago, I asked my mom for her recipe and started preparing my own sofrito. I enjoyed the process and definitely tastes better that the prepackaged one. I also read the labels of the prepackaged one and it has ham in it. My son and I are vegetarians and my family does not eat pork at all, so making my own sofrito is the best choice for my family.
A little history
The preparation of sofrito may vary in different countries. Caribbean cuisine sofrito is prepared differently that Spanish and Portuguese methods. In Puerto Rico sofrito is mainly used when cooking rice dishes, sauces, soups, beans and really anything and everything. Traditionally bacon, pork, lard may be added as well as salt and pepper. Now each person can choose to make the best sofrito that fits for their family and the healthier the better. 
Making your own healthier sofrito
I want to share with you my family recipe. You just need to add 3 small onion, 2 garlic heads, 1 bunch of cilantro, 1 bunch of culantro, ajo dulces (sweet perennial peppers), 3 cubanelle red and green peppers. You peel, wash and cut all the ingredients and add into the blender. The original recipe calls for a small amount of olive oil, I prefer to use just a little water. Olive oil is a healthy oil, buy if I can reduce the use of oil in general it’s best for my health. After you blend to the desire consistency, you pour into a glass container with a lid and place in the refrigerator. Freeze the remainder in individual containers to use in the future.
You can do it too
You can use sofrito too, no matter your nationality. You may want to try a new Caribbean recipe or just spice up the flavors on one of your own recipes. Just add a spoonful or desired amount when cooking to add flavor to your meals. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Hashtag #healthycollage
Healthy Collage 