Puerto Rican Vegan Cauliflower Soup: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, there lies a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that can be beautifully intertwined with modern vegan recipes. Today, we’re going to give the classic creamy cauliflower soup a vibrant Puerto Rican vegan twist, incorporating the iconic trio of Puerto Rican flavors: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito.
The Cultural Significance
Puerto Rican cuisine is a melting pot of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, and this soup is no exception. The use of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito brings the authentic flavors of the island into your kitchen. These spice blends are more than just seasonings; they are the essence of Puerto Rican cooking, passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Cauliflower: 1 large head, destemmed and roughly chopped (or 6-8 cups frozen)
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, roughly chopped
- Garlic: 6 cloves, roughly chopped
- Sofrito: 3 tablespoons (see below for recipe)
- Sazón: 2 teaspoons (see below for recipe)
- Adobo: 1 teaspoon (see below for recipe)
- Raw Cashews: 1 cup
- Cannellini Beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans, drained and rinsed
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups low-sodium
- Water: 1 cup
- Nutritional Yeast: 5 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: For garnish
- Lemon Zest and Juice: For serving (optional)
- Red Pepper Flakes: For serving (optional)
Sofrito Recipe
- Culantro (Recao Leaves): 1 bunch
- Cilantro: 1 bunch
- Ají Dulce Peppers: 6-8 (or substitute with cubanelle or bell peppers)
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 1 head, peeled
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
- Tomatoes: 2-3 ripe or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (optional)
Roughly chop all ingredients and blend in a food processor until smooth. Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term use.
Sazón and Adobo Recipes
Sazón
- Ground Annatto (Achiote): 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.
Adobo
- Garlic Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Onion Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper: 1 tablespoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealed container.
Instructions
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Sauté the Veggies:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
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Add Sofrito:
- Stir in the Sofrito and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to “awaken.”
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Add Cauliflower and Broth:
- Add the chopped cauliflower, vegetable broth, water, Sazón, and Adobo to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and soft.
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Blend the Soup:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Transfer the soup to a high-powered blender in batches, if necessary. Add the raw cashews, cannellini beans, and nutritional yeast. Blend on the highest setting until the soup is velvety smooth and creamy.
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Season and Serve:
- Return the soup to the saucepan and heat it gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. For an extra boost of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Tips and Variations
- Meat Alternatives: If you want to add some protein to your soup, you can use TVP (textured vegetable protein), which is readily available and affordable in Puerto Rico. Alternatively, you could use tofu or tempeh, but beans like cannellini beans are a great option for added protein and fiber.
- Balancing Flavors: For savory dishes like this soup, a splash of vinegar can help balance the flavors, though it is not necessary here due to the robust flavors of the Sofrito and Sazón.
Conclusion
This Puerto Rican Vegan Cauliflower Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the island’s rich culinary heritage. With the vibrant flavors of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito, this soup is a true reflection of the heart and soul of Puerto Rican cuisine. Enjoy this creamy, wholesome, and intensely flavorful soup with a crusty loaf of bread or some crunchy roasted chickpeas for a delightful meal that will leave you wanting more.