The Problem: Time-Consuming Flavour Building
Crafting authentic Spanish dishes often requires a deep, rich base of flavour—a sofrito. Traditionally, this involves slow-cooking a medley of fresh ingredients, a process that can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. For home cooks and busy professionals alike, replicating this foundational element can be a daunting task, leading to compromises in taste or reliance on less authentic shortcuts.
The Solution: Tomaquet Sofrito Cooking Base
Enter Tomaquet Sofrito, a premium cooking base that encapsulates the essence of traditional Spanish sofrito. Made with a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers, this ready-to-use base delivers the depth and authenticity of a homemade sofrito without the extensive preparation. Crafted in Spain with 100% natural ingredients and no additives, Tomaquet Sofrito brings the soul of Spanish cooking to your kitchen—fast.
A Glimpse into History: The Origins of Sofrito
The concept of sofrito has deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine, with its earliest mentions dating back to the 14th-century Catalan cookbook Libre de Sent Soví. Originally a simple preparation of onions and oil, sofrito evolved over centuries to include tomatoes, garlic, and peppers, becoming a staple in Spanish and Latin American kitchens. This evolution reflects the rich tapestry of cultural influences that have shaped Spanish culinary traditions over time .
Inspiration Behind Tomaquet Sofrito
Recognizing the challenges modern cooks face in preparing traditional sofrito, the creators of Tomaquet Sofrito sought to provide a solution that maintains authenticity while offering convenience. By carefully selecting high-quality, natural ingredients and adhering to traditional cooking methods, they developed a product that preserves the integrity of classic Spanish flavours. Tomaquet Sofrito stands as a testament to the belief that convenience should not come at the expense of authenticity.
CUICK was born from a shared passion for authentic cooking and a desire to make traditional Spanish flavours accessible to modern kitchens. Founded by Albert Camprubí and Gaston Chritin—former colleagues in Nike's marketing department in Barcelona—the idea sparked when Camprubí heard renowned chef Carme Ruscalleda mention on the radio that she always keeps a base of confit onion and tomato in her freezer to whip up dishes like paella or fideuà in just 20 minutes.
Inspired, the duo envisioned creating premium cooking bases that replicate the slow-cooked, artisanal quality of homemade sofritos, but in a convenient, ready-to-use format. They established CUICK in Tordera, Maresme (Barcelona), focusing on crafting gourmet-quality sofritos and picadas using fresh, locally sourced ingredients without any additives or preservatives. Their commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every jar, bringing the essence of Spanish home cooking to both amateur and professional chefs alike.
How to Use Tomaquet Sofrito
Incorporating Tomaquet Sofrito into your cooking is straightforward:
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Heat: Add a desired amount of Tomaquet Sofrito to your pan with a bit of olive oil.
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Sauté: Gently cook to release its aromatic flavours.
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Combine: Add your main ingredients—be it rice, legumes, or proteins—and continue cooking as per your recipe.
This versatile base serves as an excellent foundation for a variety of dishes, infusing them with the rich, savoury notes characteristic of Spanish cuisine.
Culinary Applications: Two Spanish Classics
1. Paella Valenciana
Begin by sautéing Tomaquet Sofrito in olive oil to form the flavour base. Add rice, saffron-infused broth, and a mix of proteins such as rabbit, chicken, and snails. As the rice absorbs the flavours, the sofrito imparts a depth and complexity that is quintessential to this iconic dish.
2. Lentejas (Spanish Lentil Stew)
Start with Tomaquet Sofrito to build the stew's foundation. Incorporate lentils, chorizo, carrots, and potatoes, simmering until tender. The sofrito enriches the stew, providing a hearty and comforting flavour profile that is both traditional and satisfying.
Experience Authentic Spanish Flavour with Ease
Tomaquet Sofrito by Cuick bridges the gap between traditional Spanish cooking and modern convenience. By delivering the authentic taste of a slow-cooked sofrito in a ready-to-use format, it empowers cooks of all levels to create dishes that honour Spain's rich culinary heritage. Elevate your cooking and savour the flavours of Spain—no chopping required available right here in our online store.
