Canned Sofrito - Inspired by Thomas Keller Iconic Sofrito Recipe
This sofrito takes inspiration from Thomas Keller recipe profiled in his Bouchon book. It takes about 4 hours to make. But what if you make a large batch of it and preserve it for a future use? The game changer right there!
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time5 hourshrs
Resting time1 dayd
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword: Best sofrito recipe, best vegetable juice recipe, Canned Sauce Recipe, Canned Vegetable Sauce, Canning, Homemade sofrito recipe, Mediterranean Sauce, Recipe with sofrito, Sauce Preserve Recipe, Savory Sauce, Sofritas, Spanish Couisine Recipe, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 3jars x 8.5 oz. (approximation) *Please keep in mind: The quantity of jars needed could differ depending on the preferred consistency of the preserve..
Equipment
large pot
wooden spoon
pot holders, oven mitts, trivets for hot dishes
Ingredients
1 ½poundsred and white onions mix
2poundstomatoes
3garlic cloves
1cupolive oil
2pinchessalt
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
Peel the onions and thoroughly wash them. Dice them to a large dice.
Place the diced onions in a large pan and coat them with 1 cup of olive oil. Stir to ensure the onions are evenly coated.
Over medium heat, bring the oil to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
For optimal results, consider using a diffuser under the pan. The goal is to gradually caramelize the onions, allowing them to work their magic for at least 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Stir occasionally, roughly every 30 minutes. The onions will transform into a rich, raisin-like hue, and the oil will turn clear, a sign that you've achieved the desired caramelization.
Step 2: Tomato Preparation
Halve the tomatoes and squeeze out the seeds—reserve them for future use if desired.
With the skin side of the tomatoes facing you and the fleshy side against a coarse grater, grate the tomatoes to separate the pulp from the skins.
Step 3: Combining Onions and Tomatoes
Once the onions are caramelized, add the grated tomato pulp into the pan. Stir to blend with the onions
Allow the mixture to continue cooking over low heat for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours. By the end of this phase, the oil will be clear again, and the tomatoes will have transformed to a brick-like color.
Step 4: Enhancing the Flavor
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the tomato-onion mixture, along with an extra pinch of salt.
Step 5: Final Simmer
Allow the sofrito to simmer for additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize.
(!) Ensure the sofrito is boiling as you proceed to can it.Have your Mason jars ready because the next step, filling them with piping hot preserve, must follow immediately.