Puerto Rican Vegan Matzo Ball 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 other culinary delights. Today, we’re going to give the classic matzo ball soup a vibrant Puerto Rican vegan twist, blending the comforting warmth of a traditional soup with the bold, aromatic flavors of the Caribbean.
The Cultural Significance
Matzo ball soup, a staple in Jewish cuisine, is often associated with comfort and family gatherings. Similarly, in Puerto Rican culture, soups and stews like sancocho and asopao are central to family meals and celebrations. By combining these traditions, we create a dish that is both familiar and excitingly new.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Puerto Rican Sofrito (see below for recipe)
- 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Sazón
- 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Adobo
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup diced mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake)
- A splash of vinegar (to balance flavors)
For the Matzo Balls:
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Adobo
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 flax eggs* (or other egg substitute)
Puerto Rican Sofrito:
- 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
Preparing the Sofrito:
- Roughly chop all the ingredients for the sofrito.
- Blend them in a food processor until smooth. You can add a bit of olive oil if needed.
- Freeze the sofrito in ice cube trays for long-term use.
Making the Broth:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Add the sofrito, sazón, adobo, bay leaf, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
Preparing the Matzo Balls:
- In a large bowl, combine the matzo meal, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, cilantro, scallions, garlic, adobo, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well and then add the olive oil and flax eggs. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Wet your hands with water and shape the dough into small balls.
Assembling the Soup:
- Once the broth is ready, gently add the matzo balls to the pot.
- Cover the pot and let the matzo balls cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cilantro and scallions if desired.
Tips and Variations
- For an added layer of flavor, you can use TVP (textured vegetable protein) or tofu, marinated in adobo and sazón, and then add it to the soup.
- Beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas can also be a great addition to the broth for extra protein and fiber.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add diced root vegetables like yuca or plantains.
The Magic of Puerto Rican Flavors
The trio of Puerto Rican flavors—Sofrito, Sazón, and Adobo—forms the backbone of this dish. Sofrito provides the aromatic base, sazón adds a vibrant color and depth, and adobo enhances the overall savory flavor. These blends are not just ingredients; they are the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine, carrying the history and culture of the island in every spoonful.
Enjoy your delicious Puerto Rican Vegan Matzo Ball Soup, a dish that celebrates the fusion of traditions and the richness of Caribbean flavors. This soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
- Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials