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Puerto Rican Vegan Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake With Sazón, Adobo and Sofrito

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Sofrito

Puerto Rican Vegan Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake: A Flavorful Twist

In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, there lies a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that can be beautifully adapted to vegan dishes. Here, we’re going to transform a simple tray bake into a vibrant, flavorful Puerto Rican Vegan Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake, infused with the iconic trio of Puerto Rican spices: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito.

The Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a melting pot of influences from the Taíno, Spanish, and African cultures. The use of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito is a testament to this heritage. These spice blends are not just seasonings but carry the history and soul of the island’s culinary traditions. By incorporating these into our dish, we honor the cultural roots of Puerto Rico while making it accessible and delicious for everyone.

Ingredients

For this recipe, we will use some traditional Puerto Rican ingredients along with some clever vegan substitutions.

  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
  • 1 cup cooked beans (like kidney beans or black beans) or 1 cup TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein), rehydrated and seasoned with Adobo
    • TVP is widely available in Puerto Rico and is a very affordable option.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Sofrito (see below for recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon Sazón (see below for recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon Adobo (see below for recipe)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: A splash of vinegar for balance and health benefits

Puerto Rican Spice Blends

Sazón

  • 1 tbsp ground annatto (achiote)
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Adobo

  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Store in a sealed container for up to 6 months.

Sofrito

  • 1 bunch culantro (recao leaves)
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 6–8 ají dulce peppers (substitute cubanelle or bell peppers)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 head garlic, peeled
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2–3 ripe tomatoes or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (optional)

Roughly chop all ingredients. Blend in a food processor until smooth (add olive oil if needed). Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term use.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Prepare the TVP or Beans: If using TVP, rehydrate it according to package instructions and mix with Adobo seasoning. If using beans, simply rinse and set aside.

  3. Sauté the Sofrito: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of Sofrito and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

  4. Add Vegetables and Chickpeas: Add the mixed vegetables, chickpeas, and seasoned TVP or beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the Sofrito.

  5. Season with Sazón and Adobo: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Sazón and 1 teaspoon of Adobo over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.

  6. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well.

  7. Transfer to Tray: Transfer the mixture to a baking tray or a large oven-safe dish.

  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

  9. Finish with a Splash of Vinegar: If desired, add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors and enhance the nutritional benefits.

  10. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a side of rice, tostones, or your favorite Puerto Rican accompaniments.

Enjoy Your Puerto Rican Vegan Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake!

This dish is a celebration of Puerto Rican flavors with a vegan twist, making it accessible to everyone. The Sazón adds a golden-red color and depth, the Adobo enhances the savory flavors, and the Sofrito forms the aromatic base that ties everything together. This is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Puerto Rico’s rich culinary heritage. ¡Buen provecho

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