Puerto Rican Vegan Lo Han Jai: A Fusion of Flavors and Cultures

In the heart of Chinese and Buddhist cuisine lies a dish so vibrant and flavorful, it has captured the hearts of many around the world – Lo Han Jai, or Buddha’s Delight. To give this traditional dish a unique and delicious Puerto Rican vegan twist, we’re blending the rich flavors of Puerto Rico with the hearty ingredients of Lo Han Jai.

The Cultural Significance

Lo Han Jai is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of vegetarian cuisine that has been a staple in Buddhist and Chinese communities for centuries. It’s traditionally served on the first day of the Chinese New Year to purify and rejuvenate both body and spirit. By infusing this dish with Puerto Rican flavors, we’re honoring the cultural exchange and culinary innovation that make cooking so exciting.

The Puerto Rican Twist

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups Puerto Rican Sofrito (see below for recipe)
• 3 slices fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 5 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in warm water and sliced
• ¼ cup dried wood ears, soaked in warm water
• 1 cup fried tofu puffs or tempeh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup Napa cabbage, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup bean threads, soaked in warm water and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Puerto Rican Sazón (see below for recipe)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sofrito Recipe

For an authentic Puerto Rican flavor, you’ll need a good sofrito base. Here’s a simple 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. Add a bit of olive oil if needed.

Sazón Recipe

For that vibrant Puerto Rican flavor, use this homemade 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

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Soak the shiitake mushrooms and wood ears in warm water for about 10 minutes. Slice the mushrooms and cut the wood ears into smaller pieces.
   • Boil the bean threads in water to cover for 5 minutes, then drain.
   • Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and prepare the snow peas by removing the strings.

2. Heat the Wok or Large Pan:

   • Heat a large wok or pan over high heat until smoky. Add the olive oil.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

   • Add the Puerto Rican Sofrito to the hot oil and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is fragrant.
   • Add the sliced ginger and garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add the Vegetables:

   • Stir-fry the mushrooms, wood ears, bean threads, Napa cabbage, and tofu for 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the snow peas and bean sprouts and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Season with Puerto Rican Flair:

   • Add the vegetable broth, Puerto Rican Sazón, and a splash of sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
   • Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes.

6. Thicken the Gravy:

   • Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the pan to form a light gravy. Adjust as necessary.

7. Serve:

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Drizzle with a bit more sesame oil if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Meat Alternatives: Use TVP (textured vegetable protein), which is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico, if you prefer a heartier texture. However, for this dish, tofu or tempeh work beautifully.
• Balancing Flavors: A splash of apple cider vinegar can add a nice balance to the savory flavors, though it’s optional.
• Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts to make the dish even more varied.

Enjoy Your Puerto Rican Vegan Lo Han Jai!

This dish is a vibrant celebration of flavors from two rich culinary traditions. The Puerto Rican Sofrito and Sazón add a unique twist to the traditional Lo Han Jai, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore new flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a hearty meal, this Puerto Rican Vegan Lo Han Jai is sure to delight your senses and nourish your spirit.

Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials