According to Carmen: SOFRITO Recipe
Carmen Londono • October 10, 2024
Sofrito! Let's Talk About It
Sofrito is essential in Latino cuisine—it’s where all the flavor begins. Think of it like the foundation of your kitchen, much like insurance is the foundation of your peace of mind. Just like you need the right blend of ingredients to make a great sofrito, you need the right coverage to protect what matters most. One builds amazing meals, the other builds your security.
So, let’s get into how you can whip up sofrito at home, just like we build the right insurance plan—starting with the essentials and making it your own!
Table of Contents
What’s Sofrito?
Sofrito is that magic starter sauce that kicks up the flavor in everything from soups and stews to your favorite rice dishes. It’s got roots in all kinds of places—Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Latin American, and Caribbean kitchens. Depending on where you are, it might be called "sofregit," "estrugido," or "refogado," but the idea is the same: it’s a blend of fresh, aromatic ingredients that get chopped or pureed and used to build flavor in all kinds of recipes.
In Spanish cooking, sofrito is usually made with peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes simmered in olive oil. They call it "sufrito" or "refogado." In Portugal, they keep it simple with onions and olive oil, sometimes throwing in garlic and bay leaves, and call it "estrugido." Now, if you head over to Puerto Rico, you’ll get a version called "Recaíto" that’s a smooth blend of onions, garlic, aji peppers, green bell peppers, cilantro, and culantro. Over in the Dominican Republic, they add more color and flavor with bell peppers, red onion, tomato paste, garlic, apple cider vinegar, oregano, and cilantro.
Depending on the peppers you use, sofrito can be green or red, but the basics don’t change. My take is more Caribbean-inspired, but like with most things, you can tweak it however you like—mix up the herbs, toss in different peppers, and make it yours. It freezes well and it keeps in the fridge for a couple of weeks as well.
Ready to make your own sofrito? Let me show you how!
Ingredients for Sofrito
- ½ lb Bell Peppers (stems and seeds removed): Red or green, whichever you prefer!
- 1 lb Ajíes Dulces Peppers (stems and seeds removed): Traditionally used in Puerto Rican sofrito, but if you can’t find them, no worries—swap in any seeded aji peppers or even chilies that are local to you.
- 3 large white onions (peeled and roughly chopped): Can’t forget this!
- 5 heads Garlic (peeled): The more, the better!
- β lb Cilantro: Fresh is best.
- ½ lb Culantro: If you can’t find this, just add extra cilantro.
- 3 roma tomatoes (seeded): Totally optional—depends on your style.
- Salt: To taste.
- Olive Oil: The key to bringing everything together.
How to Make Sofrito – My Way
- Blend It Up: Toss your roughly chopped peppers, onion, garlic, cilantro, culantro, and tomatoes (if you’re using them) into a food processor or blender. Add a good drizzle of olive oil.
- Season: Add salt to your taste—make it as mild or as bold as you like.
That's it! You’ve got the foundation for so many delicious dishes.
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Welcome to The Insurance Pros Blog—where we break down what your policy really means (without giving you a headache). I'm Carmen Londono , founder of The Insurance Pros. With over two decades in the insurance world, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming policies can be—especially for business owners trying to make smart, confident decisions without drowning in fine print. That’s exactly why I created this blog: to make insurance make sense. No jargon. No nonsense. Just the guidance you need, delivered like a conversation with your smartest (and sassiest) friend in the biz. What You’ll Get from This Blog β
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In celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth , I’m sharing a special recipe each week that’s close to my heart! ο»Ώ First up is my Feta & Fire-Roasted Salad —a flavorful dish packed with tangy feta and smoky roasted veggies. It's one of my personal favorites!
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Hey there! Gather 'round, because we’re about to dive into immunization coverage in Illinois health insurance plans. Whether you're a vaccine enthusiast or a bit hesitant, this info is going to make you smarter and ready to navigate that insurance maze like a pro. Why Immunizations Matter First, let’s talk about why immunizations are a big deal. Immunizations play a crucial role in keeping you alive and kicking. They protect you from a whole range of nasty diseases that can seriously mess with your health. From the time you’re a baby to when you’re all grown up, these shots keep you safe and healthy. Plus, staying up-to-date with your vaccines means you’ll recover faster if you do get sick, and it helps protect the people around you too. It's about building a strong defense for you and your community. What’s Covered? Alright, now let’s dive into what your health insurance in Illinois covers when it comes to immunizations. Most health plans have to cover a bunch of vaccines without making you pay out-of-pocket. That’s thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Here’s a quick rundown of some shots that are usually covered: Kids: Chickenpox , measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) , polio , whooping cough (pertussis) , and more. Teens: HPV , meningococcal , and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) . Adults: Flu shot , shingles (for those over 50), and pneumonia (for older folks or those with certain health conditions). Pretty cool, right? Your plan might cover even more, so it’s always a good idea to check with your provider. How to Make Sure You’re Covered You don’t want surprises when it's time for your shot. Here’s how to make sure you’re covered: Check Your Plan: Go through your health insurance policy or give them a call to see exactly what’s covered. In-Network Providers: Make sure you’re going to a doctor or clinic that’s in your insurance network. Going out-of-network could mean you’ll end up paying more. Stay Informed: Keep track of your immunization schedule. If you’re unsure about what vaccines you need, don’t be shy—ask your doctor! The CDC’s immunization schedule is a great resource. What If You’re Uninsured? No insurance? No problem. Illinois has got your back. Programs and local health departments can help you get vaccinated at little or no cost. It’s all about keeping everyone in our community healthy. A few are listed here- Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Provides free vaccines to eligible children. Learn more: CDC’s VFC Program . Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Offers immunization services statewide. Learn more: IDPH Immunization Page . Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Provides immunizations on a sliding fee scale. Find a center near you: IPHCA . Local Health Departments Many local health departments provide low-cost vaccines. Locate yours: IDPH Directory . Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Provides free and low-cost vaccines through city clinics. Learn more: CDPH Immunization Program . Ready to take charge of your health? Immunizations are key to keeping you and your community safe and healthy. Don’t wait—check your health insurance plan today to see what’s covered, make sure you’re visiting in-network providers, and stay informed with the CDC’s immunization schedule. Let's roll up those sleeves and stay protected! Call us now and keep your immunizations up-to-date. Your health matters, and staying on top of your vaccines is a powerful step towards a healthier future for you and those around you. Stay healthy, stay informed, and keep that immune system ready for anything!
