Guiso Criollo
Venezuelan Sofrito Base
A fundamental Venezuelan sofrito base made with ripe tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. This aromatic mixture is the foundation for countless traditional dishes, adding depth and flavor.
🧂 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
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
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
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
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
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.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- 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.