Blonde Soffrito Base Recipes

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. I listed cumin as an optional item; however, to me it is not optional... it is a necessity.
• 3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 4. Add the butter and oil to a skillet over medium-low heat.
• 5. When the butter melts, give the pan a swirl to mix the oil and butter, then add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, bay leaves, and rosemary.
• 6. Cook over low heat, until the onions are soft and translucent, but not brown, about 12 - 15 minutes.
• 7. Chef's Tip: The secret to a flavorful sofrito, is to let the veggies slowly cook and release their flavors. This sauce should never come to a boil.
• 8. Add the wine and allow to cook for an additional 4 - 5 minutes, then add the tomatoes, and simmer over low heat for an additional 40 - 50 minutes.
• 9. Chef's Note: While the sauce is simmering, add some salt, and other optional spices, to taste.
• 10. Fish out the bay leaves and keep cool until needed. It will keep a week in the fridge, and several months in the freezer.
• 11. PLATE/PRESENT
• 12. Use as a base sauce for a yummy paella, spooned over rice, or in any South-of-Border recipe. Enjoy.
• 13. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

Steps:

• Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Cut green bell pepper and red bell pepper in half from top to bottom; remove the stem, seeds, and ribs. Place peppers cut sides down onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with 2 teaspoons olive oil.
• Roast under the preheated broiler until the skin of the peppers has blackened and blistered, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag. Seal to let peppers steam as they cool, about 15 minutes. Remove skins under running water and discard. Chop flesh into large pieces.
• Place pepper pieces, sweet chile peppers, onion, scallions, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, culantro, olives, oregano, and capers in a blender or food processor. Blend, adding 1/2 cup olive oil and water in batches, until mixture is pureed but some chunks remain.
• Divide blended mixture among four 16-ounce containers, filling each 3/4 of the way. Top each with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil to help preserve mixture. Close containers and refrigerate.

Steps:

• Blend onions, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, cilantro, and garlic in a blender, in batches if necessary, into a smooth paste.

Steps:

• Place celery in the bowl of a food processor; process until minced (you should have about 1 cup). Repeat process with carrots (you should have about 1 cup).
• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrot, and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is no longer steaming and vegetables are caramelized, about 1 hour.

Steps:

• In a large straight-sided skillet, combine red onion, celery, and fennel. Add oil, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are the color of straw, about 45 minutes. Use immediately, or cool to room temperature and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 months.

Steps:

• Coarsely chop tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Combine with garlic and cilantro. In batches, pulse mixture in a food processor until finely chopped. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high until shimmering. Add mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced, 25 to 30 minutes (reduce heat if browning at edge). To store, let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container; refrigerate, up to 2 weeks, or freeze, up to 6 months.