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Puerto Rican Vegan Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce Infused with Traditional Flavors

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Puerto Rican Vegan Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce

In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine lies a rich tapestry of flavors, a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences that make every dish a vibrant celebration. Today, we’re going to give a classic baked gnocchi recipe a delicious Puerto Rican vegan twist, incorporating the iconic flavors of the island.

The Magic of Puerto Rican Flavors

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the trio of Puerto Rican flavor: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito. These blends are the backbone of traditional Puerto Rican cooking and will elevate our dish to new heights.

  • Sazón: A colorful spice mix that adds a golden-red hue and depth to dishes. It’s a blend of annatto, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
  • Adobo: A versatile dry rub that enhances and tenderizes proteins with bold, savory flavors. It includes garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika.
  • Sofrito: A fresh herb-and-vegetable blend used as a cooking base, combining culantro, cilantro, ají dulce peppers, onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.

Recipe: Puerto Rican Vegan Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

  • Gnocchi: 12 ounces vegan gnocchi (potato or cauliflower)
  • Spicy Tomato Sauce:
    • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
    • 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon Sofrito (see below for homemade recipe)
    • 1 teaspoon Adobo
    • 1 teaspoon Sazón
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • A splash of vinegar (for balance and health benefits)
  • Protein:
    • 1 cup cooked black beans or chickpeas (or TVP, which is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico)
  • Cheesy Topping:
    • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
    • 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella shreds (such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart)
  • Fresh Herbs:
    • Chopped cilantro or culantro for garnish

Homemade Sofrito Recipe

  • 1 bunch culantro (recao leaves)
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 6–8 ají dulce peppers (or cubanelle/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 and blend in a food processor until smooth. 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 Spicy Tomato Sauce:

    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add the Sofrito and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to “awaken” the flavors.
    • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced fresh tomatoes, Adobo, Sazón, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
    • Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

  3. Cook the Gnocchi:

    • Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  4. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi, Spicy Tomato Sauce, and cooked black beans or chickpeas (or TVP). Mix well to ensure the gnocchi is fully coated.

  5. Prepare the Cheesy Topping:

    • In a small bowl, mix together the nutritional yeast and vegan mozzarella shreds.

  6. Assemble and Bake:

    • Transfer the gnocchi mixture to a baking dish.
    • Top with the cheesy topping mixture.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

  7. Serve:

    • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
    • Garnish with chopped cilantro or culantro.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

Cultural Significance

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Puerto Rican culture. The use of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito brings the authentic flavors of the island to your table. Each bite is a testament to the rich culinary heritage that blends indigenous, Spanish, and African influences.

Conclusion

This Puerto Rican Vegan Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Caribbean. With its easy-to-make Sofrito, the bold flavors of Adobo and Sazón, and the comforting goodness of gnocchi, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, dive into the world of Puerto Rican cuisine, and let the flavors of the island inspire your next meal. ¡Buen provecho

  1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials

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