Sofrito
2 medium Spanish onions, cut in chunks
3-4 Italian frying peppers (cubanelle). seeded and cut in chunks
16-20 cloves garlic
1 large bunch cilantro
7-10 ajices dulces*** see note below
or another bunch of cilantro and a pinch of red pepper(cayenne)
4 leaves culantro****see note below
or another handful of cilantro
3-4 ripe plum tomatoes, cored, cut in large chunks
1 large red pepper, cut in large chunks
Pulse onions and frying peppers in a food processor until coarsely chopped. With
the motor running, add remaining ingredients one at a time; process until almost
smooth.
***Culantro is not cilantro. It is like cilantro times 10.
****Ajices dulces, also known as cachucha or ajicitos, are tiny sweet peppers
with a
hint of heat. They add freshness and an herby note to the sofrito. Don't
mistake
them; for Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles; those are much hotter in taste.