Vegan Puerto Rican Sopa de Plátanos: A Flavorful and Nourishing Soup
In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, there’s a soup that warms the soul and delights the taste buds: Sopa de Plátanos, or Green Plantain Soup. This traditional dish, often served in various Latin American countries, has been transformed here into a delicious and comforting vegan version that retains all the vibrant flavors and cultural significance of the original.
The Cultural Significance
Sopa de Plátanos is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings families together, especially on weekends when soup is a staple in many Caribbean households. Each island has its unique way of preparing this soup, but the core ingredients remain the same: green plantains, onion, garlic, and a rich broth. This vegan version honors these roots while making it accessible to everyone.
Ingredients
- 3 green plantains, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (fresh or dried)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic granules
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Pink salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Puerto Rican Sofrito (for added flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Plantains
Bake the sliced green plantains in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the plantains, making them perfectly tender for the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped carrot, red and green bell peppers, and celery stalks to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 4: Add Broth and Spices
Pour in the vegetable broth, add the baked plantains, cumin, cilantro, garlic granules, and bay leaf. Season with pink salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the plantains are fully tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Optional – Add Sofrito
If you want an extra boost of flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of Puerto Rican Sofrito to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Sofrito is a blend of aromatics that includes garlic, onions, bell peppers, and herbs, and it adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the bay leaf and serve the Sopa de Plátanos hot. You can garnish it with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and culantro add a vibrant flavor to the soup. If you can’t find culantro, you can use parsley as a substitute.
- Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can balance the flavors and add a bit of brightness to the soup.
- Experiment with Root Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes to make the soup heartier.
Why This Recipe Works
This vegan version of Sopa de Plátanos retains the authentic flavors of the traditional dish while making it accessible and healthy. By using vegetable broth and omitting animal products, you get a soup that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. The addition of sofrito, if used, enhances the soup with a deep, savory flavor that’s quintessentially Puerto Rican.
Sharing the Tradition
Sopa de Plátanos is a dish that’s meant to be shared. Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this soup brings people together. It’s a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, where food is a celebration of culture, family, and community.
So, go ahead and give this vegan Sopa de Plátanos a try. Let the aromas fill your kitchen and the flavors warm your heart. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a way to connect with tradition and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.