Puerto Rican Vegan Garlic-Parmesan Wings: A Flavorful Twist

When it comes to combining the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with the comfort of garlic-parmesan wings, the result is nothing short of magical. Here’s a recipe that transforms traditional garlic-parmesan wings into a deliciously vegan and authentically Puerto Rican dish.

The Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, influenced by the island’s indigenous Taíno people, Spanish colonizers, and African traditions. The trio of Adobo, Sazón, and Sofrito forms the backbone of this culinary heritage, adding depth and authenticity to every dish. For our vegan garlic-parmesan wings, we’ll incorporate these iconic blends to give you a taste of the island.

Ingredients

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1⁄4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder

Wings

• 1.5-2 lbs extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cut into “wing” pieces (or use TVP, which is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico)
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp Adobo (see below for recipe)
• 1 tsp Sazón (see below for recipe)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup potato starch or tapioca flour
• 1⁄4 cup vegan parmesan cheese (from above)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tbsp Sofrito (see below for recipe)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: Hot sauce or sriracha for extra kick

Adobo

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

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

Sofrito

• 1 bunch culantro (recao leaves), chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 6–8 ají dulce peppers (or cubanelle/bell peppers), chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 head garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegan Parmesan Cheese:

   • Blend the cashews, nutritional yeast, kosher salt, and garlic powder in a blender or food processor until smooth.

2. Make the Adobo:

   • Combine all Adobo ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

3. Prepare the Sazón:

   • Mix all Sazón ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.

4. Prepare the Sofrito:

   • Blend all Sofrito ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term use.

5. Marinate the Tofu or Tempeh:

   • In a large bowl, mix together the Adobo, Sazón, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the tofu or tempeh pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

6. Bake the Wings:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the tofu or tempeh from the marinade and coat with potato starch or tapioca flour.
   • Place the coated pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with avocado oil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until crispy.

7. Garlic-Parmesan Glaze:

   • In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the vegan parmesan cheese and stir until well combined.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of Sofrito and stir to “awaken” the flavors.

8. Finish with Flavor:

   • Remove the baked tofu or tempeh from the oven and toss with the garlic-parmesan glaze until well coated.
   • Sprinkle with additional vegan parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

9. Serve:

   • Serve the wings hot with optional toppings like hot sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.

Enjoy Your Puerto Rican Vegan Garlic-Parmesan Wings!

These wings are a perfect blend of Puerto Rican flavors and vegan comfort food. The Adobo and Sazón add a depth and authenticity that will transport your taste buds to the islands, while the Sofrito brings a fresh and aromatic base to the dish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a delicious meal, these wings are sure to impress.

Tips and Variations

• Use TVP as an Alternative: If you prefer a texture closer to chicken, TVP (textured vegetable protein) is a great option and is easily available in Puerto Rico.
• Add a Splash of Flavor: While not necessary in this savory dish, remember that in other recipes, a splash of vinegar can balance flavors and offer health benefits.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of Adobo, Sazón, and Sofrito to your taste, and don’t hesitate to add other spices to make the dish even more vibrant.

Embrace the flavors of Puerto Rico and indulge in these deliciously vegan garlic-parmesan wings – a true fusion of cultural heritage and culinary innovation.

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