It’s here! Find nostalgic pieces for bright, beloved traditions and unfolding joy. Shop the holiday collection.

Coming January 28: Jo’s New Children’s Book, The World Needs the Wonder You See. Pre-Order Today.

The fall issue of Magnolia Journal is out on newsstands. Subscribe Now.

Katie Button Spanish Sofrito

Spanish Sofrito

byKatie Button
Total an hour
Active 90 mins
Makes About 1 1/2 cups
Use the sofrito in rice dishes and stews or to add flavor to any dish.
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 5 to 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 to 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 4 to 5 large plum tomatoes, grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
Directions
  1. Place a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottom skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until only slightly brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onion and begin to cook them down slowly, stirring occasionally, until caramelized. Lower the heat if needed so as to not burn the onion. This will take some time, about 30 minutes.
  2. Add the grated tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until all the liquid evaporates and the color turns deep red, 25 to 35 minutes more.
  3. When everything is caramelized, the oil will begin to separate from the vegetables a bit. Season with salt. Cool the sofrito, and portion it into small batches or ice-cube trays for later use. It will keep up to 7 days in the fridge and a year in the freezer.