A refrito is used as a base or foundation for many soups and other dishes. It is very easy to make and is the secret to a lot of the flavor in the dishes that use it. There a few different refritos, some include tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, parsley, etc, but the most basic one is made with oil (or lard), chopped onions, garlic, cumin, salt and achiote. Refrito is also known as sofrito and can sometime be found pre-made either frozen or in jars, but it is a lot better made fresh.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons canola oil
Chopped onions (usually white or yellow)
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)
Preparation:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add all of the ingredients except the salt and stir well.
- Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and tender.
- Add salt to taste now or wait until later.
