Imagine transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary masterpieces with just one magical ingredient. Recaito, the Puerto Rican sofrito that's about to revolutionize your cooking, is not just a condiment—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! This green, aromatic base is the hidden gem that professional chefs and home cooks alike use to infuse their dishes with authentic Caribbean zest and depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 head garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash all fresh produce, ensuring the cilantro is clean and free from dirt.
- Peel the onion and remove the outer skin, then chop it into rough chunks.
- Slice the green bell pepper in half, remove the seeds and membranes, then chop into similar-sized pieces as the onion.
- Separate and peel all garlic cloves from the head of garlic, removing any green sprouts from the center.
- Trim the bottom thick stems from the cilantro bunch, keeping the tender stems and leaves.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, peeled garlic cloves, and cilantro into a food processor or blender.
- Pulse the ingredients until they form a smooth, consistent green paste with no large chunks remaining.
- Drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to blend, which will help create a smoother texture.
- Season with salt to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.
- Transfer the recaito to a clean, airtight glass container or jar.
- Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to one week, or freeze in small portions for longer storage.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your recaito depends entirely on using crisp, vibrant produce. Choose bright green cilantro and firm vegetables.
- Invest in a good food processor: A high-quality processor will help you achieve that smooth, consistent texture that's crucial for authentic recaito.
- Adjust salt gradually: Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it away.
- Freezing hack: Pour recaito into ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag for quick flavor boosts in future recipes.
- Experiment with ratios: While this recipe is traditional, feel free to adjust ingredient quantities to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Store smartly: Always use a clean, airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
