Finding a new seasoning on the shelves is like unearthing treasure, and Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning is the latest gem in my collection.
As someone who revels in the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine, the mention of “Soffritto” brings about images of a bubbling pot of Nonna’s best sugo or the comforting sizzle of vegetables sautéing gently in olive oil, ready to welcome a cascade of tomatoes. This humble yet vital backbone of many Italian dishes is revered for good reason; its harmonious symphony of flavors provides depth to even the simplest recipes.
How to make Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning
Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs inspired by the traditional Italian soffritto, which is a mixture of sautéed onions, garlic, and other aromatic vegetables used as a flavor base in many Italian dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons dried garlic flakes
- 1/4 cup dried bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds (optional for an authentic Italian flavor twist)
Instructions:
- Blend the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the dried minced onion, dried garlic flakes, dried bell peppers, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried fennel seeds (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Grind to Desired Consistency: Transfer the mixture to a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder. Pulse a few times to achieve a coarser texture that’s true to most Italian soffritto blends. For a finer powder, simply grind a bit longer.
- Jar and Label: Transfer your homemade Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning to an airtight jar. Label it with the name and date so you remember when you made it.
- Store Appropriately: Keep your seasoning in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its potency and flavor. It should last for up to 6 months if stored properly.
Tips for Using Your Homemade Seasoning:
- Start Small: When using your homemade Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning in recipes, start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Versatility: This seasoning isn’t just for Italian cooking. Try it on grilled vegetables, sprinkled over pizzas, or even in your morning scrambled eggs for an Italian twist.
- Rehydrate: To mimic the base of a traditional soffritto, consider rehydrating a tablespoon of the seasoning in a bit of olive oil before adding it to your dishes. It’ll soften the components and release the aromatic flavors.
- Gift It: Your homemade Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning also makes a thoughtful, personalized gift for the foodies in your life. Package it nicely in a small decorative jar with a rustic label.
What to serve with
Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning is a versatile blend that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes with a touch of Italian flair. Here are some ideas for dishes that would be perfectly complemented by this seasoning, transforming them from ordinary to extraordinary.
Savory Dishes:
Classic Pasta Sauces:
- Add a teaspoon or two to your tomato-based marinara sauce or Bolognese to deepen the flavors.
- Stir it into cream sauces like Alfredo for an Italian herbaceous kick.
Proteins:
- Combine the seasoning with olive oil and marinate chicken, beef, or lamb before grilling or roasting.
- Sprinkle it over fish fillets, coat it with breadcrumbs, and bake for a crispy herb-infused crust.
Vegetables and Sides:
- Toss roasted or grilled vegetables with this seasoning, adding it before or after cooking for a burst of Italian flavor.
- Use it in your potato salad recipe or sprinkle over garlic bread before toasting.
Soups and Stews:
- Stir into minestrone soup, lentil stew, or any vegetable soup to enhance the overall taste.
- Add it to the pot when preparing Italian wedding soup or a simple chicken broth.
Rice and Grains:
- Mix with risotto as it cooks for a more complex flavor profile.
- Stir it into couscous or quinoa with olive oil for an Italian-inspired side dish.
Snacks and Appetizers:
Dips and Spreads:
- Blend with cream cheese or sour cream for a zesty dip perfect for crackers or bread sticks.
- Mix into hummus for an Italian twist on this Middle Eastern classic.
Bruschetta and Crostini:
- Sprinkle it over tomatoes, garlic, and basil for an Italian bruschetta full of robust flavors.
- Add to the topping mix for mushroom or cheese crostini before baking or broiling.
Breakfast:
Eggs and More:
- Beat into eggs for omelets or frittatas, infusing them with Italian seasoning.
- Sprinkle over avocado toast with a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast.
Creative Uses:
Popcorn and Snack Mixes:
- Toss freshly popped popcorn with a bit of melted butter and a shake of the seasoning for a savory snack.
- Mix into homemade trail mix or nuts for an aromatic flavor addition.
Homemade Bread:
- Knead into bread dough before baking to infuse your loaves with Italian herbs.
- Mix into the topping for focaccia along with olive oil and coarse salt for a classic Italian flatbread.
Salad Dressings and Vinaigrettes:
- Whisk into olive oil and vinegar for an Italian-style salad dressing.
- Use it to season a simple vinaigrette for pasta salad.
Ingredients Substitutes
Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning is a unique blend of spices, but if you don’t have it on hand or prefer to make your seasoning mix from scratch, you can create a similar flavor profile using common kitchen spices.
Primary Soffritto Ingredients:
Onions:
Substitute: Use onion powder or dehydrated minced onion in equal parts.
Carrots:
Substitute: Carrot powder is not commonly found, but you can finely grind dried carrot slices. Carrots are used for their sweetness, so a tiny pinch of sugar could also help mimic this aspect.
Celery:
Substitute: Celery seed is an excellent replacement for the flavor. Use it sparingly, as it is much stronger than fresh celery. Alternatively, you can use dried celery flakes.
Supporting Herbs and Spices:
Garlic:
Substitute: Garlic powder or granulated garlic can replace fresh garlic.
Tomatoes:
Substitute: Sun-dried tomato powder or a small amount of tomato paste (which you’d need to use in a dish rather than a dry spice blend).
Basil:
Substitute: Dried basil is the direct substitute for fresh basil. If you don’t have it, you could use an Italian seasoning blend which usually contains basil.
Parsley:
Substitute: Dried parsley flakes are a good substitute. As an alternative, dried chervil or cilantro could be used to provide a similar herbal note, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Salt:
Substitute: Sea salt or kosher salt can replace table salt. You could also use celery salt for an additional layer of flavor, but reduce other sources of celery flavor if you do.
Fennel:
Substitute: Anise seed has a similar licorice flavor, but it’s stronger, so use less. Crushed fennel seeds could also work.
Final Thoughts
By creating your version of Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning, you get to tailor the flavors to your preference and immerse yourself in the joy of homemade spice blends that bring a piece of Italy right into your kitchen.
More Seasoning Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons dried garlic flakes
- 1/4 cup dried bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds (optional for an authentic Italian flavor twist)
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the dried minced onion, dried garlic flakes, dried bell peppers, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried fennel seeds (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Grind to Desired Consistency: Transfer the mixture to a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder. Pulse a few times to achieve a coarser texture that's true to most Italian soffritto blends. For a finer powder, simply grind a bit longer.
- Jar and Label: Transfer your homemade Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning to an airtight jar. Label it with the name and date so you remember when you made it.
- Store Appropriately: Keep your seasoning in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its potency and flavor. It should last for up to 6 months if stored properly.
