How to Make Haitian Sofrito [Epis] – The Heart of Haitian Cooking

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats, while canola is often less expensive.

bell peppers

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: zucchini

Sweet potatoes add nutrients, while zucchini is usually cheaper.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice can enhance flavor similarly, while vinegar is often less costly.

hot pepper

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Jalapeños provide a similar heat, while red pepper flakes are more affordable.

Introduce the ingredients for Haitian epis: bell peppers, onions, garlic, parsley, thyme, scallions, black pepper, salt, and scotch bonnet pepper.

Add a splash of lime juice (or vinegar) to the mixture.

Drizzle in enough extra virgin oil to make the mixture smooth but not watery or dry.

Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor.

Pulse or blend until the mixture is thick and chunky, resembling a paste.

Store the epis in a glass jar with a few drops of extra virgin oil on top to preserve it.

Keep it in the fridge for a couple of weeks or freeze in ice cubes for later use.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary