Vegan Boricua

Puerto Rican Vegan Pollo Lettuce Wraps Infused with Traditional Flavors

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Puerto Rican Vegan “Pollo” Lettuce Wraps: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine lies a rich tapestry of flavors, colors, and traditions. Today, we’re going to infuse these vibrant elements into a delicious and easy-to-make vegan dish: the Puerto Rican Vegan “Pollo” Lettuce Wraps. This recipe is a perfect blend of traditional Puerto Rican flavors and modern vegan cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.

The Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a beautiful melting pot of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences. The trio of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito forms the backbone of this culinary heritage, each bringing its unique flavor profile to the table. In this recipe, we’ll be using these traditional spice blends to create an authentic and mouth-watering vegan dish.

Ingredients

For the “Pollo”

  • 1 cup TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) – Easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico
    • Alternatively, you can use extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Adobo (see below for homemade Adobo recipe)
  • 1 tsp Sazón (see below for homemade Sazón recipe)
  • 1/4 cup Sofrito (see below for homemade Sofrito recipe)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Adobo

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

For the 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

For the 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)

For the Lettuce Wraps

  • Large lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced red onions
  • Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Sofrito

Roughly chop the culantro, cilantro, ají dulce peppers, onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Blend these ingredients in a food processor until smooth. You can add a bit of olive oil if needed to help blend. Freeze the Sofrito in ice cube trays for long-term use.

Prepare the Adobo and Sazón

Mix the ingredients for the Adobo and Sazón in separate bowls. Store them in airtight containers for up to 6 months.

Cook the “Pollo”

  1. Rehydrate the TVP: Soak the TVP in water for about 10 minutes, then drain and wring it out with a towel.
  2. Marinate the TVP: In a large bowl, mix the rehydrated TVP with olive oil, Adobo, Sazón, and Sofrito. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Sauté the TVP: Heat a large pan with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated TVP and sauté until it’s lightly browned and crispy.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped cilantro and mint. Squeeze the lime juice over the “pollo” and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

  1. Prepare the Lettuce Leaves: Wash and dry large lettuce leaves.
  2. Add the Fillings: Place a generous portion of the “pollo” onto each lettuce leaf. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, sliced red onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite.

Tips and Variations

  • Balance the Flavors: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of vinegar to the “pollo” while it’s sautéing. This will help balance the savory flavors and add a touch of acidity.
  • Customize Your Wrap: Feel free to add other toppings like sliced bell peppers, diced mango, or a dollop of vegan mayo to make the wrap even more delicious.
  • Make it a Meal: Serve the lettuce wraps with a side of steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

The Puerto Rican Vegan “Pollo” Lettuce Wraps are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico, blended seamlessly with the modern appeal of vegan cuisine. With the trio of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito at its core, this dish is not only delicious but also deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you’re a vegan looking for new flavors or simply someone who appreciates the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. ¡Buen provecho

  1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials

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