Guiso Criollo (Venezuelan Sofrito Base)

🧂 Ingredients

• 4 large Ripe Tomatoes
• 2 medium Yellow Onions
• 2 medium (any color, red or green recommended) Bell Peppers
• 4-6 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Lard(For sautéing)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the onions and bell peppers. Mince the garlic. Roughly chop the tomatoes. Aim for uniform small pieces for even cooking.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
2. 2

   Sauté the aromatics: Heat the oil or lard in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (approx. 175°C / 350°F). Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Do not brown them.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Add more vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the peppers have softened slightly and the garlic is fragrant. Add the ground cumin and stir for 30 seconds until aromatic.

   ⏱️ 7 minutes
4. 4

   Incorporate tomatoes and simmer: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should break down and create a thick, rich sauce.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
5. 5

   Season and finish: Uncover the pot. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring more frequently, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The sofrito should be rich and fragrant.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓This sofrito is a versatile base. Use it for stews (like Pabellón Criollo), soups, rice dishes, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
• ✓For a smoother texture, you can blend a portion or all of the sofrito after cooking.
• ✓Make a large batch and freeze in smaller portions for quick meal preparation.
• ✓Ensure tomatoes are ripe for the best flavor and texture.

🔄 Variations

• Add a handful of fresh chopped cilantro in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added freshness.
• For a spicier version, add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the bell peppers.
• A bay leaf can be added during the simmering stage for an extra layer of aroma.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving