HVNY Rican

Why Sofrito Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift

During the holidays, we often find ourselves in crowded stores or are bombarded with ads for candles, new sweaters, and other items that will likely sit on shelves or add clutter. I noticed that our way of showing love is through food, and sharing is the best way to connect with others. That’s why practical gifts, especially rooted in tradition, carry so much weight.

Sofrito: Flavor, Tradition & Connection

Sofrito is the perfect gift to give. Its not flashy, but it’s essential in every Puerto Rican household. A single spoonful can transform an entire meal.

A little spoon changes everything:

• Add to a bean stew
• Stir into plain white rice
• Season Chicken, pork, and shrimp
• Flavor soups and stew

Homemade Sofrito Recipe

• 1-2 bunches of cilantro
• 1-2 bunches of culantro (if you can find any, double up on cilantro or mix a bunch of cilantro with a bunch of parsley)
• 1 green pepper
• 1 red pepper
• 1 white onion
• 1 red onion (optional)
• 1 head of garlic
• 2 cubanelle peppers (can’t find it, add a green pepper)
• 4-5 aji dulce peppers (optional)
• Achote oil (or olive oil with a packet of sazon)

Generosity doesn’t have to be expensive

Meaningful gifts don’t have to break to bank. Sofrito is budget-friendly, practical, and deeply meaningful. Sofrito is more than food, it’s tradition and love in a jar.

Next time you think of purchasing a gift, think beyond the mall. Think of what brings comfort to you and your family, and what can be truly used, and what comes from the heart.