Other meanings and versions of sofrito In Caribbean cuisine , sofrito is a seasoned lard and functions as a base for many traditional dishes, but prepared differently from the method described above. Lard (acquired from rendering pork fat ) is strained, and annatto seeds are added to colour it yellow, and later strained out. To the colored lard is added a ground mixture of cured ham , bell pepper , chile pepper , and onion ; after this, mashed coriander leaves ( cilantro ) and oregano leaves are added. Garlic cloves are added in a tea ball, and the sauce is simmered for half an hour. [ 1 ] The term also refers to a number of related sauces and seasonings in the Caribbean and Central and Latin America. In Cuban cuisine , sofrito is prepared in a similar fashion, but the main components are onions, garlic, and green bell peppers. It is a base for beans, stews, rices, and other dishes, including ropa vieja and picadillo . Other secondary components include, but are not limited to...