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Colombian Sofrito Spice Mix

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Colombian Sofrito Spice Mix

Sofrito spice mix is an essential foundation in Colombian cuisine, often forming the flavor backbone of beloved dishes like hogao and hearty stews. This versatile blend captures the essence of Colombian kitchens, where it's used to infuse depth and warmth into family meals shared around bustling tables. It’s a staple in many households, providing a quick and reliable way to impart authentic flavors, whether for daily dinners or festive feasts.

The mix offers a robust combination of earthy cumin, vibrant paprika, and the savory notes of garlic and onion powders. A hint of black pepper adds a gentle kick, while fine sea salt ties it all together, allowing each spice to shine in harmony. This blend is designed to elevate your dishes with a touch of Colombian soul, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspground cumin
  • 2 tbsppaprika
  • 1 tbspgarlic powder
  • 1 tbsponion powder
  • 1 tbspfine sea salt
  • 1 tspblack pepper

Method

  1. Start by placing a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of ground cumin and 2 tablespoons of paprika to the skillet. Stir the spices continuously with a wooden spoon to ensure even toasting. You will know they are ready when the aroma becomes rich and earthy, and the color deepens slightly, usually after a few minutes.
  2. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately transfer the toasted spices to a large, shallow dish to cool. This step prevents the spices from continuing to cook in the hot pan, which could lead to bitterness. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature, which ensures they won't clump when mixed with other ingredients.
  3. Once the spices have cooled, combine them in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix them thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of each spice throughout the blend.
  4. Transfer the spice mix to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard, to protect the spices from light and moisture, which can degrade their flavor.
  5. For the best aroma and flavor, aim to use the Colombian Sofrito Spice Mix within a few months. This mix serves as a flavorful base for traditional Colombian dishes like hogao and stews, enhancing them with its robust and aromatic profile.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Colombian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Colombian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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