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4.9 from 84 votes

Sofrito or Refrito de cebolla

Sofrito or refrito de cebolla consists of sauteed onion, garlic, cumin, achiote and salt. Refrito is used as a flavor base for many Latin American dishes.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: South American , Ecuadorian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons oil or lard or butter
  • 1 yellow or white onion diced or chopped
  • minced garlic  about 2 cloves per each onion
  • ground cumin about 2 tsp per each onion
  • achiote powder about 1 tsp per each onion
  • salt to taste added either when the refrito is made or when the final dish is almost done

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add all of the ingredients except the salt and stir well.
  2. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and tender.
  3. Add salt to taste now or wait until later. You can use the refrito or sofrito exactly the way it is, or blend it if you want a smoother consistency.