Puerto Rican Vegan Dinner Rolls: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
When it comes to Puerto Rican cuisine, the blend of vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage is unmistakable. To give the traditional dinner roll a delicious Puerto Rican vegan twist, we’re incorporating some of the island’s iconic spice blends and aromatic bases. Here’s how you can create these mouthwatering, culturally significant rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm plant milk (such as soy or almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup softened vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons Puerto Rican Sazón (see below for recipe)
- 1 tablespoon Puerto Rican Sofrito (see below for recipe)
- Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Puerto Rican Sazón Recipe
- 1 tablespoon ground annatto (achiote)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.
Puerto Rican Sofrito Recipe
- 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)
Roughly chop all ingredients and blend in a food processor until smooth. Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term use.
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm plant milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t get foamy, start again with new yeast.
Mix the Dough
Add the softened vegan butter, 4 cups of flour, salt, 2 tablespoons of Sazón, and 1 tablespoon of Sofrito to the bowl. Mix either by hand or in a stand mixer until the flour is all incorporated. Add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a ball of dough is formed that is slightly sticky and soft.
First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and place in a warm place to rise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Rolls
Gently punch down the dough and pat it down into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 4 long strips, then cut each strip into 6 pieces. You should end up with 24 rolls. To make them smooth on top, pull the seams downward and place the less-smooth side down.
Second Rise
Cover the rolls again with the towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes to an hour.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Remove the towel and bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown on top and done in the middle. If the top gets too brown, cover lightly with a piece of foil.
Finish
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted vegan butter. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of vinegar to balance the savory notes, though this is optional.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these rolls warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- They pair perfectly with a hearty vegan stew or as a side to your favorite Puerto Rican dishes like arroz con gandules or habichuelas guisadas.
- For a filling meal, consider serving them alongside TVP (textured vegetable protein), which is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico, or with beans for a protein-rich option.
Cultural Significance
Puerto Rican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by the island’s indigenous Taíno people, Spanish colonizers, and African traditions. The use of Sazón, Sofrito, and Adobo in cooking reflects this rich cultural heritage. These spice blends and aromatic bases are not just ingredients; they are the heart and soul of Puerto Rican cooking.
By incorporating these elements into your vegan dinner rolls, you’re not only creating a delicious dish but also honoring the culinary traditions of Puerto Rico. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a festive holiday meal, and they will surely become a staple in your kitchen. ¡Buen provecho