Puerto Rican Vegan Pastina Soup: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

When you think of comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and simplicity of a well-crafted pastina soup. To give this Italian classic a vibrant Puerto Rican vegan twist, we’re incorporating the island’s iconic flavor profiles, making this soup not just delicious but also a celebration of cultural heritage.

The Magic of Puerto Rican Flavors

Puerto Rican cuisine is renowned for its rich, bold flavors, thanks to the trio of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito. These blends are the backbone of traditional Puerto Rican cooking and will transform your pastina soup into a flavorful masterpiece.

• Sazón: Adds a golden-red color and depth with its blend of annatto, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
• Adobo: Enhances proteins and vegetables with a bold, savory flavor using garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika.
• Sofrito: Forms the aromatic base with a blend of culantro, cilantro, ají dulce peppers, onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.

Recipe: Puerto Rican Vegan Pastina Soup

Ingredients

• Pastina Pasta: Tiny star-shaped pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
• Vegetable Broth: Use a homemade or store-bought broth with minimal ingredients and low salt
• Sofrito:
  • 1 bunch culantro (recao)
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 4 ají dulce peppers (or substitute with cubanelle or bell peppers)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 ripe tomatoes (optional)
• 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
• Adobo:
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 1 brown onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Mushrooms or beans for added protein (such as kidney beans or TVP, which is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sofrito:

   • Roughly chop the Sofrito ingredients and blend them in a food processor until smooth. You can add a bit of olive oil if needed.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped brown onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
   • Add the blended Sofrito and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to “awaken” the flavors.

3. Add Broth and Spices:

   • Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and add the bay leaf. Stir in the Sazón and Adobo blends. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Blend the Vegetables:

   • Remove the bay leaf and blend the vegetables with about ½ cup of water until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot.

5. Cook the Pastina:

   • Bring the soup back to a boil, then add the pastina pasta. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Protein (Optional):

   • If using, add sliced mushrooms or beans (such as kidney beans) and cook until they are tender.

7. Season and Serve:

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
   • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips and Variations

• Use Beans for Protein: Beans like kidney beans or pinto beans are a great source of protein and can be added directly to the soup.
• TVP or Tofu: If you prefer a different protein source, TVP (textured vegetable protein) or cubed tofu can be added and cooked until tender.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Ensure to use gluten-free pastina if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Customize with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito to your taste. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika or dried basil for extra flavor.

Cultural Significance

This Puerto Rican Vegan Pastina Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a way to connect with the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico. The use of traditional spice blends like Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito not only adds depth to the soup but also honors the island’s cultural roots. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a way to explore new flavors, this soup is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This Puerto Rican Vegan Pastina Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds. With its vibrant flavors and cultural significance, it’s a recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, dig in, and let the flavors of Puerto Rico warm your soul.

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