Dominican Sofrito

Name: Dominican Sofrito
Prep time: 15 min
Cuisine: Dominican
Ingredients: Green bell pepper, chopped — 1; Red bell pepper, chopped — 1/2; Onion, chopped — 1 large; Garlic cloves — 6; Fresh coriander — 20 g (3/4 cup); Bitter orange juice (or lime juice) — 30 ml (2 tbsp); Tomato, chopped — 1 medium; Fresh oregano — 5 g (1 tbsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 min

Prep

0 min

Cook

Ingredients

Green bell pepper, chopped — 1
Red bell pepper, chopped — 1/2
Onion, chopped — 1 large
Garlic cloves — 6
Fresh coriander — 20 g (3/4 cup)
Bitter orange juice (or lime juice) — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
Tomato, chopped — 1 medium
Fresh oregano — 5 g (1 tbsp)

Method

Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
Pulse to a coarse, well-combined paste.
Process to desired consistency.
Transfer to a jar or portion into ice cube trays.
Use immediately as a base for cooking, or refrigerate/freeze for later use.

Cultural Background: The Dominican Republic's version of the foundational Caribbean aromatic base, Dominican sofrito differs from its Puerto Rican cousin with a distinctive use of bitter orange and a broader mix of peppers, forming the backbone of Dominican rice, bean and meat dishes.

Tips: • Bitter orange juice gives a distinctly Dominican tang; lime juice is the standard substitute if unavailable. • This sofrito is often slightly chunkier than its Puerto Rican counterpart in many households.

Variations: • Add a small amount of ajíes dulces (sweet peppers) for extra sweetness, if available. • Use as a base for the classic Dominican rice dish locrio.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week, or freeze in portions up to 6 months.

Reheating: Not applicable when raw; typically sautéed as the first step of a dish. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 15 kcal, 0.5 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 3 g carbohydrate per 30 g serving.

FAQs: What is Dominican sofrito traditionally used for? The aromatic base for rice dishes, beans, and stewed meats throughout Dominican cooking. How is it different from Puerto Rican sofrito? Dominican sofrito often uses bitter orange for tang and may include a slightly different pepper mix, giving it a distinct regional character.