Puerto Rican Vegan Potato Wedges: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

When it comes to delicious and satisfying side dishes, potato wedges are hard to beat. But what if you could infuse them with the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine? Here’s a recipe that combines the crispy, savory goodness of potato wedges with the rich, aromatic spices of Puerto Rico, all while keeping it vegan and oil-free.

The Magic of Puerto Rican Spices

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the trio of Puerto Rican flavor: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito. These blends are the heart of Puerto Rican cooking and will elevate your potato wedges to a whole new level.

• Sazón: A colorful blend that adds a deep, earthy flavor and a golden-red hue. It includes annatto, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
• Adobo: A versatile dry rub that enhances and tenderizes with bold, savory flavors. It typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sometimes paprika.
• Sofrito: An aromatic base made from fresh herbs and vegetables like culantro, cilantro, ají dulce peppers, onion, garlic, and bell peppers.

Recipe: Puerto Rican Vegan Potato Wedges

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 teaspoon Sazón (see below for homemade mix)
• 1 teaspoon Adobo (see below for homemade mix)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Sofrito (see below for homemade mix)
• Parchment paper

Homemade Sazón Mix

• 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

Homemade Adobo Mix

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

Homemade Sofrito Mix

• 1 bunch culantro (recao leaves)
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 6–8 ají dulce peppers (or substitute with 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Parboil the Potatoes: Add the potato wedges to a pot and cover them with water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Bring to a boil, cover the pot, and boil for about 7-8 minutes. This step helps break down the potato surfaces, creating a crispy exterior.

3. Drain and Season: Carefully drain the water and season the potato wedges with the Sazón and Adobo mixes. Be gentle, as the wedges can be fragile after parboiling.

4. Steam Off: Transfer the wedges to a wire cooling rack to steam off for about 10 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture.

5. Add Sofrito and Other Spices: In a large bowl, mix the potato wedges with the Sofrito blend, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.

6. Bake: Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add a pinch of salt while they’re hot.

7. Serve: Serve the potato wedges hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or culantro if desired. For an extra burst of flavor, consider a splash of vinegar to balance the savory flavors.

Tips and Variations

• Use TVP or Beans for Added Protein: If you want to add some protein to your meal, consider using Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), which is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico, or beans like black beans or chickpeas.
• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito to your taste. You can also add other spices like cumin, coriander, or turmeric to give it an extra kick.
• Pair with Your Favorite Dips: Serve your potato wedges with a side of vegan mayo, ketchup, or a homemade salsa for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a beautiful blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences. The use of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito in this recipe honors the rich culinary heritage of the island. These spice blends are not just flavor enhancers but also carry the history and culture of Puerto Rico, making every dish a celebration of its roots.

Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Puerto Rican Vegan Potato Wedges, and let the vibrant flavors of the island transport you to a world of deliciousness

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