Vegan Boricua

Vegan Puerto Rican Stir-Fry with Sofrito and Traditional Spices for a Flavorful Twist

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Sofrito

Vegan Puerto Rican Stir-Fry: A Fusion of Flavors

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Puerto Rico, traditional dishes are often a symphony of flavors, colors, and cultural heritage. Today, we’re going to give a classic stir-fry a delicious Puerto Rican vegan twist, incorporating the iconic spice blends and fresh ingredients that make Puerto Rican cuisine so beloved.

Ingredients

  • Protein:

    • 1 cup of TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein), a highly affordable and accessible option in Puerto Rico, or you can use tofu or tempeh as alternatives.
    • Marinate the TVP with 2 tablespoons of Puerto Rican Adobo (see below for recipe) and a splash of vinegar for at least 30 minutes.

  • Vegetables:

    • 1 cup of asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 cup of snap peas, sliced
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1 large bell pepper, chopped (any color)
    • 2 ají dulce peppers or cubanelle peppers, chopped

  • Spice Blends:

    • Puerto Rican Sofrito (see below for recipe)
    • Puerto Rican Sazón (see below for recipe)

  • Seasonings:

    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Fresh cilantro for garnish

  • Other:

    • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon of vegetable broth

Puerto Rican Adobo Recipe

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

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealed container.

Puerto Rican Sofrito Recipe

  • 1 bunch culantro (recao leaves)
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 6–8 ají dulce peppers or cubanelle/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.

Puerto Rican Sazón Recipe

  • 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

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the TVP: Marinate the TVP with Adobo and a splash of vinegar for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderize it.

  2. Sauté the Sofrito: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of Sofrito and sauté until the mixture is fragrant and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and ají dulce peppers to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add the Asparagus and Snap Peas: Add the asparagus and snap peas to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they start to tenderize but still retain some crunch.

  5. Add the Marinated TVP: Add the marinated TVP to the skillet and stir well to combine with the vegetables and Sofrito.

  6. Season with Sazón and Broth: Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of Puerto Rican Sazón over the mixture and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

  7. Finish with Flavor: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If needed, add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice, mofongo, or with some crusty bread.

Cultural Significance and Vibrant Flavors

This vegan stir-fry is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Puerto Rican culture and cuisine. The use of Sofrito as the aromatic base, Adobo for marinating, and Sazón for adding that golden-red color and depth, all come together to create a dish that is both authentic and innovative.

The combination of fresh vegetables like asparagus and snap peas with the traditional Puerto Rican spice blends brings a unique twist to a classic stir-fry. This dish is not only delicious but also a testament to the versatility and richness of Puerto Rican vegan cuisine.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and culturally rich, give this Vegan Puerto Rican Stir-Fry a try. It’s a dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico, all while enjoying the comfort of a plant-based meal.

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