Puerto Rican Recipes That Make You Feel at Home
Discoverdelicious Puerto Rican recipes that bring bold flavors and homey comfort toyour kitchen. Easy, flavorful dishes perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Flavor Foundations
- Sofrito – This aromatic blend of peppers onions, garlic, cilantro, and herbs is the soul of Puerto Rican cooking. You can make it fresh or use a jarred version for convenience.
- Adobo seasoning – A savory all-purpose blend used to season everything from meat to beans.
- Sazón – Adds color and depth with ingredients like annatto garlic, and coriander. Look for versions with or without MSG based on your preference.
- Achiote oil optional – Made by infusing annatto seeds in oil, this adds rich color and subtle earthiness.
Pantry Staples
- Rice medium- or long-grain – A go-to base for iconic dishes like arroz con pollo or arroz con gandules.
- Canned gandules pigeon peas – Essential for one of Puerto Rico’s national dishes.
- Beans black or pink – A hearty, protein-rich side or main element.
- Tomato sauce – Often combined with sofrito to start stews and rice dishes.
Proteins & Produce
- Pork shoulder pernil – A centerpiece for holidays and gatherings, slow-roasted to perfection.
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks – Affordable and flavorful cuts that absorb marinades well.
- Green plantains – Great for frying into tostones or mashing into mofongo.
- Yuca or malanga – Adds texture and variety to starchy side dishes.
Flavor Enhancers
- Cilantro and culantro if available – Fresh herbs that bring brightness and authenticity.
- Olives and capers – Used in small amounts to add briny depth to many sauces and rice dishes.
- Vinegar and citrus juice – Brighten and balance the bold savory flavors.
Pro Tip: If you're not near a Latin grocery store, many of these ingredients are available online. Don’t stress if you can’t find everything—substitutions like garlic powder for fresh or canned beans for dry can still deliver incredible results.
Instructions
Start with Sofrito Magic
- Every great Puerto Rican dish begins with sofrito. It's the flavorful base that infuses dishes with aromatic depth.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of sofrito and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- This step sets the tone for everything that follows—don’t rush it!
Build the Flavor Layers
- Once your sofrito is bubbling and aromatic, it’s time to bring in the other ingredients.
- Add tomato sauce (about ¼ cup) and stir it into the sofrito.
- Season with adobo and sazón for that signature Puerto Rican flavor.
- If you're using olives or capers, add them now for a briny kick.
Add Your Star Ingredients
- Depending on the recipe you’re making—say, arroz con gandules or pollo guisado—you’ll now add your protein or main starch.
- For rice dishes:
- o Stir in rice and gandules, then add water or broth (typically a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio).
- o Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 20–25 minutes.
- For stews or meats:
- o Brown the meat first, then add vegetables and liquid to simmer slowly until tender.
- o Add chopped potatoes, carrots, or yuca for heartiness.
Taste and Adjust
- Don’t forget to taste as you go! Puerto Rican recipes are bold, but they’re also about balance.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lime juice at the end to brighten the dish.
- Want more heat? A few drops of Puerto Rican pique (hot sauce) will do the trick.
Helpful Tip: Cooking rice or stews in a caldero (cast aluminum pot) is traditional and helps develop a delicious crust at the bottom—locals call it pegao, and it’s considered a treat!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Iron: 10%
- Calcium: 6%