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A fresh, vibrant seasoning that instantly lifts any dish — this homemade sazón is my go-to for building deep, herbaceous flavor without the heaviness of tomatoes or culantro.
Whether you’re marinating meat, stirring into rice, or layering soups and stews, this blend adds soul to everything it touches.
🌶️ Sazón vs. Sofrito: What’s the Difference?
Growing up, my mother never kept sofrito in the fridge — only fresh sazón.
I don’t know if it’s a Dominican thing or just her personal style, but there was always a bright, green jar ready to flavor whatever she was cooking.
Here’s the simple truth:
- Sazón and sofrito are cousins — both used to season rice, beans, meats, and stews.
- Sazón skips the tomatoes and culantro, making it lighter, fresher, and more herb-forward.
Some families swear by one, some mix both — and if you do? Your food will never be the same (in the best way).
If you’re craving a simple, fresh seasoning base that wakes up your food with real flavor, here’s the recipe straight from my mother’s kitchen to yours.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro, washed and chopped
- ½ bunch parsley, washed and chopped
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
📌 Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ tsp cumin (adds a gentle warmth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (helps create a smoother blend)
🥣 How to Make Simple Sazón
1️⃣ Wash & Prep
- Rinse your herbs thoroughly, removing tough stems.
- Roughly chop the onion, bell peppers, and garlic to make blending easier.
2️⃣ Blend Until Smooth
- Add everything to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed for even texture.
3️⃣ Store & Use
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage: Freeze in ice cube trays for easy use — keeps up to 3 months!
🔥 How to Use Your Homemade Sazón
This vibrant seasoning base is wildly versatile:
- Marinades: Mix into meats, poultry, seafood before cooking.
- Soups & Stews: Add a spoonful to your base for an instant flavor upgrade.
- Rice & Beans: Stir in for that authentic depth of flavor.
- Sautéed Veggies: Cook your vegetables with a spoonful for a rich, aromatic start.
💡 Pro Tip for Next-Level Flavor
Sazón and sofrito can be used almost interchangeably — but together?
🔥 Game. Changer.
Blend a little of each when cooking for a layered, deeply flavorful dish that hits every note.
✨ Final Thoughts: Flavor is Memory
This simple sazón isn’t just seasoning — it’s tradition, it’s family, it’s that first inhale over a bubbling pot of arroz or a simmering stew.
It’s proof that sometimes the simplest things carry the most soul.
💬 Do you cook with sazón, sofrito, or both? Tell me your flavor story in the comments — I’d love to hear it!
📩 Want more Dominican-inspired flavors? Explore more recipes here! 🌿🍽️
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