Vegan Boricua

Vegan Puerto Rican Laab Infused with Traditional Flavors and Fresh Herbs

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Sofrito

Vegan Puerto Rican Laab: A Flavorful Twist on a Traditional Dish

In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, there are dishes that not only delight the palate but also tell stories of the island’s rich cultural heritage. One such dish, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian laab but infused with the essence of Puerto Rico, is our Vegan Puerto Rican Laab. This recipe combines the traditional spice blends and fresh herbs of Puerto Rico with the bold, zesty flavors of a classic laab, all while keeping it plant-based and delicious.

The Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a beautiful blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, and this dish honors that heritage. The use of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito—the trio of Puerto Rican flavor—adds a depth and authenticity that will transport you to the sun-kissed streets of San Juan.

Ingredients

For the Laab

  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas or black beans (beans are a great option for this dish)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Sazón (see below for homemade recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Adobo (see below for homemade recipe)
  • 1-2 teaspoons Sofrito (see below for homemade recipe)
  • 1-2 Thai chilies or ají dulce peppers, seeded and finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A splash of vinegar (to balance flavors)

For the 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

For the Homemade 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 Homemade 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)

Instructions

Prepare the Sofrito

Roughly chop all the Sofrito ingredients and blend them in a food processor until smooth. You can add a bit of olive oil if needed. Freeze the Sofrito in ice cube trays for long-term use.

Make the Laab

  1. Prepare the Herbs and Spices:

    • Chop the cilantro, mint, and scallions.
    • Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
    • Chop the Thai chilies or ají dulce peppers.

  2. Cook the Chickpeas or Beans:

    • If using canned chickpeas or beans, drain and rinse them. If cooking from scratch, ensure they are fully cooked.

  3. Combine the Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas or beans, chopped herbs, garlic, ginger, lime juice, olive oil, Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito.
    • Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

  4. Add Heat and Flavor:

    • Add the chopped chilies and mix well.
    • Season with salt, black pepper, and a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

  5. Serve:

    • Serve the Vegan Puerto Rican Laab in lettuce leaves or over rice. Garnish with additional cilantro and scallions if desired.

Tips and Variations

  • Use TVP or Tofu: If you prefer a different texture, you can use textured vegetable protein (TVP) or tofu, marinated in Adobo and then cooked before adding to the laab.
  • Affordable and Accessible: TVP is easily available in Puerto Rico and is a very affordable option, making this dish accessible to everyone.
  • Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of chilies or omit the seeds, which contain most of the heat.

The Magic of Puerto Rican Flavors

This Vegan Puerto Rican Laab is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of the island’s culinary heritage. The Sazón adds a golden-red color and depth, the Adobo enhances the flavors with its bold, savory notes, and the Sofrito forms the aromatic base that ties everything together. Each bite is a journey through the flavors and traditions of Puerto Rico, all while embracing the plant-based lifestyle.

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of two culinary worlds, and let the essence of Puerto Rico delight your senses.

  1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials

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