Vegan Puerto Rican Pollo Guisado Heartwarming Stew Recipe

Vegan Puerto Rican Pollo Guisado: A Flavorful and Heartwarming Stew

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Puerto Rico, few dishes evoke the same warmth and comfort as Pollo Guisado, a traditional chicken stew that has been a staple for generations. Today, we’re going to give this beloved dish a vegan twist, using ingredients that are both accessible and full of flavor.

The Cultural Significance of Pollo Guisado

Pollo Guisado is more than just a meal; it’s a gathering of family and friends, a celebration of heritage, and a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Puerto Rico. This stew is a staple in many Latin American and Caribbean households, known for its hearty ingredients and bold spices. By adapting it to a vegan version, we can enjoy the same cultural and culinary experience without compromising on our values.

Ingredients

For this vegan version, we’ll use tofu as our protein source, but you can also opt for tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP) if you prefer. TVP is particularly popular in Puerto Rico and is an affordable and versatile option.

• 1 block of firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces (or 1 cup of TVP, rehydrated)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup of green olives, pitted
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• Adobo Seasoning Blend (see below)
• Sofrito Base Preparation (see below)
• A splash of white wine vinegar (optional, for flavor balance)

Adobo Seasoning Blend

• 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
• 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano

Sofrito Base Preparation

• 1/4 cup Olive Oil or Annatto Oil
• 12 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, diced
• 1 Cubanelle pepper, seeds and ribs removed, diced
• 5 ají dulce peppers, seeds and ribs removed
• 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 7 sprigs of culantro (5 finely chopped, 2 whole)
• 1 cup tomato sauce or puree

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sofrito:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the diced onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, Cubanelle pepper, and ají dulce peppers. Cook until the vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized.
   • Stir in the chopped cilantro and culantro. Set aside.

2. Season the Tofu:

   • In a bowl, mix together the Adobo Seasoning Blend and a splash of water to create a paste. Add this paste to the tofu pieces and mix well to coat.

3. Cook the Stew:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned tofu and cook until it’s lightly browned on all sides.
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
   • Add the potatoes, carrots, red and green bell peppers, and green olives. Stir well to combine.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and the prepared Sofrito. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
   • If desired, add a splash of white wine vinegar to balance the flavors.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional cilantro and culantro if desired.

Enjoying the Flavors

This vegan Pollo Guisado is a symphony of flavors, with the rich Sofrito base and the bold Adobo seasoning blend coming together to create a dish that is both comforting and vibrant. The tofu absorbs all the flavors beautifully, making it a perfect substitute for traditional chicken.

As you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, where every meal is a celebration of love, family, and tradition. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this delicious vegan twist on a classic dish that will leave everyone wanting more.

1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials