If there is something that can’t be left out nor missed within the puertorrican’s kitchens is the Sofrito. It is the essential part of most of the dishes of the island. It is used in any combination of rice, stews, and can be used to marinate meats, too. A proud puertorrican prefers to make it instead of buying it. Of course, it can be found in a supermarket for those that have no time to make it or for those that are not lovers of the kitchen and know that is important to have it when preparing their meals. It is the combination of several veggies and refried on a caldero at the beginning of the cooking process Let’s not confuse it with another mixture we used that is called Recao because the herbs used in this mixture are completely different in shape and in flavor. These herbs can be combined when making the sofrito and the flavor gets bolder. For a person who wants to make it simple and to keep it traditional will go by the simplest and most fresh vegetables and herbs. It doesn’t matter the region you are visiting on the island because this essential will be present in every household and business. Even in the United State and any other part of the world the sofrito follows every puertorrican and with pride they serve their dishes without missing this part.

Beans are classified as legumes because they are the seeds of the plant they come from. They are rich in fiber and protein, and these are essential in a typical dish in the puertorrican kitchen, The most common bean known is the pink one as much as the red one and they are prepared commonly as a stew with pieces of squash. Growing up i remember hating to see the pieces of squash in it as much as the pieces of cilantro. Then, I learned later on the exquisiteness that these two bring to the stew while enhancing more its flavor. Beans are also used in rice which makes the dish to become more colorful and flavorful. When making rice with beans is common to find a type of stewed accompanying it that makes the dish more succulent. I must admit that I hated eating other types of beans specially the ones that looks as having an eye in it which is known as blackeye peas. All types of beans are found in any puertorrican kitchen including when making the succulents soups with salchichon. Have you ever tied making a soup with mixed beans? I suggest you to try it out and you will not regret it. Try it on a rainy day that is the common days we love to eat it along with tostones.  This ingredient can't be exiled from the kitchen of a puertorrican and it is a must when wanting to make a quick dish. Have you try it?

There is a saying that "Puertoricans are like rice" and I shall say it is true because we are everywhere around the whole world. As it is true to say that rice is everywhere around the world, so are puertoricans. Who does not like to eat rice? A grain that is common in any part of the entire world. This can be eaten in any way even by itself (of course cooked). Rice is one of the most typical grains in Puerto Rico. This grain is a must in the boricua's kitchen table, which is served in different ways for many dishes in every part and corner of the island. Also It is a must for a big event on any part of the island.

Plantain is a typical fruit from Puerto Rico that can be eaten in various ways. From Tostones, Platanutres to Mofongo, and Aranitas among others typical delicacies. It is so common that can be found on every table of every household of the island. Although the plantain pulp can help to regulate the digestive system and it is the most used part of it, many people do not realize that its skin has great properties that can be used to benefit the hair, skin, the cuticle of the nails among other things by creating a mask with it. Even its leaves have healing properties to heal wounds, scars, and splinters.  As well, serves as relaxer and soother component for the mood. It is great to see and to know how many great things this fruit can do that we all consume it in our daily life.