Vibrant Puerto Rican Vegan Chantilly Lili with Traditional Sofrito and Sazón

Puerto Rican Vegan Chantilly Lili: A Vibrant Twist on a Classic

In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, there lies a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that can be beautifully adapted to vegan cuisine. Here, we’re going to transform the elegant Chantilly Lili into a vibrant, plant-based delight that honors the island’s culinary heritage.

The Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a melting pot of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, each contributing unique flavors and techniques. At the core of this cuisine are three essential spice blends: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito. These blends are not just seasonings but the very soul of Puerto Rican cooking.

Ingredients

For our Puerto Rican Vegan Chantilly Lili, we will need:

• Sofrito: The aromatic base of Puerto Rican cooking. Blend together:

  • 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
  • Optional: 2–3 ripe tomatoes or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers

• Sazón: A vibrant spice mix.

  • 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

• Adobo: A simple, versatile seasoning.

  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tsp paprika

• Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of firm tofu or tempeh, cubed (TVP is also a great option and is easily available in Puerto Rico)
  • 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button)
  • 2 large bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Sazón
  • 1 tsp Adobo
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Sofrito

1. Blend the Sofrito: Roughly chop all the ingredients for the sofrito and blend them in a food processor until smooth. You can add a bit of olive oil if needed to help blend.
2. Freeze for Later Use: Freeze the sofrito in ice cube trays for long-term use.

Cooking the Dish

1. Sauté the Sofrito: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the sofrito and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the Onions and Bell Peppers: Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Mushrooms: Add the cubed tofu or tempeh and mixed mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 8 minutes.
4. Season with Adobo and Sazón: Sprinkle the Adobo and Sazón over the mixture and stir well.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Let it Cook: Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the vegetables are tender.
7. Balance the Flavors: Add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors and enhance the dish’s savory notes.
8. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant stew is best served with a side of white rice, roasted vegetables, or even some crusty bread. For a more traditional touch, pair it with tostones (fried green plantains) or maduros (sweet plantains).

The Heart of Puerto Rican Cuisine

In this vegan version of Chantilly Lili, we’ve retained the heart and soul of Puerto Rican cuisine by using the iconic Sofrito, Sazón, and Adobo. These blends not only add depth and color but also connect us to the rich cultural heritage of the island. Each spoonful is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the vibrant flavors that make Puerto Rican cuisine so beloved.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Puerto Rican Vegan Chantilly Lili, a dish that bridges the past with the present, and tradition with modern sensibilities.

1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials