This vegan Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is a tasty treat with BIG chocolate flavor. Bonus: you can make it with or without an ice cream maker!

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in two cones on marble slab - 1

If you’re not usually a fan of avocados, you might be hovering over the X on your browser tab right now, but before you click away, let me tell you—this Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had.

And no, it doesn’t taste like avocado!

Now, I won’t say it tastes exactly like ice cream made with egg yolks and heavy cream, but the avocado makes adds terrific richness and texture without the dairy. The chocolate flavour is the star of the show here, and its taste masks the avocado.

You can make this ice cream with an ice cream maker or use the no-churn instructions below. However you make it, you can expect a luxurious, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavour. Serve a scoop over a warm vegan brownie for a doubly delicious dessert!

Ingredients for Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 2

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.

  • Full-fat coconut milk – Be sure to use the full-fat variety, not the refrigerated kind or lite coconut milk.
  • Avocado
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – You can use natural cocoa powder, Dutch process, or raw cacao.
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Water
Chocolate syrup drizzled onto bowl of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 3

Picking the Perfect Avocado for Ice Cream

If you’re planning on making your ice cream the same day you’re shopping, you’ll want to buy a ripe avocado—one that yields to firm, gentle pressure without feeling mushy or soft.

Making your avocado ice cream later in the week? Then you can purchase a hard avocado, which will ripen in a few days.

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in bowl with spoon and sprinkles - 4

Vegan Ice Cream Toppings

  • Vegan hot fudge
  • Coconut whipped cream
  • Vegan sprinkles
  • Crumbled chocolate chip cookies
  • Chopped nuts
  • Ice cream cones

How to Make Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

Ready for some rich, decadent ice cream?! Let’s get started.

Avocado and coconut milk puree in food processor bowl - 5

Blend the avocado and coconut milk. Place the avocado and coconut milk in a food processor or blender and process until the mixture is smooth.

Chocolate avocado ice cream base in food processor bowl - 6

Add the remaining ingredients. Put the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and water into the blender or food processor and blend for about 2 minutes, or until the ingredients are fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Chocolate avocado ice cream in ice cream maker - 7

For an Ice Cream Machine:

Pour the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill. Churn the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

For No-Churn Ice Cream:

Place all of the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, whisking every 20 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming. It should get thicker after each time you whisk, until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Scoop of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream with sprinkles - 8

Tips for Success

Here are some hints and tips for perfect Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream!

  • Be careful with ingredient swaps. Making ice cream is like baking—it’s equal parts art and science, and if you start playing too much with the ingredients, you might not get the results you want.
  • Let the ice cream thaw before serving. If your freezer runs cold, you might need to let the ice cream sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
  • About mix-ins. If you want to add chocolate chips, fruit, or other mix-ins, I recommend incorporating them into softened ice cream just before serving for maximum freshness. You might think adding a handful of diced strawberries before freezing will be delicious, but they’ll freeze into something with the taste and texture of ice cubes!
Bowl of chocolate avocado ice cream with spoon - 9

How to Store

Store this ice cream in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.

| WHAT YOU’LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS |

Ingredients

  • 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk , 380 g
  • 4.5 oz avocado , about 1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted 127 g
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Vegan hot fudge , for drizzling
  • Vegan Sprinkles , for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  • Add the avocado and coconut milk to a food processor/blender and pulse together.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and blend in for about 2 minutes until smooth and incorporated, scraping down the bowl once.

Ice Cream Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set up before freezing. Freeze the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

No Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer and allow to freeze for 1 hour.
  • Whisk slightly every 20 minutes to avoid it getting too icy for 3-4 hours. It should be getting thicker after each whisking, until it’s firm enough to scoop.
  • To eat: serve immediately or when you are ready for it (after it’s been in the freezer), thaw for 5-10 minutes and scoop with an ice cream scoop.
  • You can optionally add hot fudge and sprinkles on top.

Notes

This vegan Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is a tasty treat with BIG chocolate flavor. Bonus: you can make it with or without an ice cream maker!

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in two cones on marble slab - 10

If you’re not usually a fan of avocados, you might be hovering over the X on your browser tab right now, but before you click away, let me tell you—this Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had.

And no, it doesn’t taste like avocado!

Now, I won’t say it tastes exactly like ice cream made with egg yolks and heavy cream, but the avocado makes adds terrific richness and texture without the dairy. The chocolate flavour is the star of the show here, and its taste masks the avocado.

You can make this ice cream with an ice cream maker or use the no-churn instructions below. However you make it, you can expect a luxurious, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavour. Serve a scoop over a warm vegan brownie for a doubly delicious dessert!

Ingredients for Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 11

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.

  • Full-fat coconut milk – Be sure to use the full-fat variety, not the refrigerated kind or lite coconut milk.
  • Avocado
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – You can use natural cocoa powder, Dutch process, or raw cacao.
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Water
Chocolate syrup drizzled onto bowl of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 12

Picking the Perfect Avocado for Ice Cream

If you’re planning on making your ice cream the same day you’re shopping, you’ll want to buy a ripe avocado—one that yields to firm, gentle pressure without feeling mushy or soft.

Making your avocado ice cream later in the week? Then you can purchase a hard avocado, which will ripen in a few days.

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in bowl with spoon and sprinkles - 13

Vegan Ice Cream Toppings

  • Vegan hot fudge
  • Coconut whipped cream
  • Vegan sprinkles
  • Crumbled chocolate chip cookies
  • Chopped nuts
  • Ice cream cones

How to Make Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

Ready for some rich, decadent ice cream?! Let’s get started.

Avocado and coconut milk puree in food processor bowl - 14

Blend the avocado and coconut milk. Place the avocado and coconut milk in a food processor or blender and process until the mixture is smooth.

Chocolate avocado ice cream base in food processor bowl - 15

Add the remaining ingredients. Put the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and water into the blender or food processor and blend for about 2 minutes, or until the ingredients are fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Chocolate avocado ice cream in ice cream maker - 16

For an Ice Cream Machine:

Pour the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill. Churn the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

For No-Churn Ice Cream:

Place all of the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, whisking every 20 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming. It should get thicker after each time you whisk, until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Scoop of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream with sprinkles - 17

Tips for Success

Here are some hints and tips for perfect Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream!

  • Be careful with ingredient swaps. Making ice cream is like baking—it’s equal parts art and science, and if you start playing too much with the ingredients, you might not get the results you want.
  • Let the ice cream thaw before serving. If your freezer runs cold, you might need to let the ice cream sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
  • About mix-ins. If you want to add chocolate chips, fruit, or other mix-ins, I recommend incorporating them into softened ice cream just before serving for maximum freshness. You might think adding a handful of diced strawberries before freezing will be delicious, but they’ll freeze into something with the taste and texture of ice cubes!
Bowl of chocolate avocado ice cream with spoon - 18

How to Store

Store this ice cream in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.

| WHAT YOU’LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS |

Ingredients

  • 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk , 380 g
  • 4.5 oz avocado , about 1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted 127 g
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Vegan hot fudge , for drizzling
  • Vegan Sprinkles , for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  • Add the avocado and coconut milk to a food processor/blender and pulse together.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and blend in for about 2 minutes until smooth and incorporated, scraping down the bowl once.

Ice Cream Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set up before freezing. Freeze the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

No Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer and allow to freeze for 1 hour.
  • Whisk slightly every 20 minutes to avoid it getting too icy for 3-4 hours. It should be getting thicker after each whisking, until it’s firm enough to scoop.
  • To eat: serve immediately or when you are ready for it (after it’s been in the freezer), thaw for 5-10 minutes and scoop with an ice cream scoop.
  • You can optionally add hot fudge and sprinkles on top.

Notes

This vegan Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is a tasty treat with BIG chocolate flavor. Bonus: you can make it with or without an ice cream maker!

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in two cones on marble slab - 19

If you’re not usually a fan of avocados, you might be hovering over the X on your browser tab right now, but before you click away, let me tell you—this Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had.

And no, it doesn’t taste like avocado!

Now, I won’t say it tastes exactly like ice cream made with egg yolks and heavy cream, but the avocado makes adds terrific richness and texture without the dairy. The chocolate flavour is the star of the show here, and its taste masks the avocado.

You can make this ice cream with an ice cream maker or use the no-churn instructions below. However you make it, you can expect a luxurious, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavour. Serve a scoop over a warm vegan brownie for a doubly delicious dessert!

Ingredients for Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 20

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.

  • Full-fat coconut milk – Be sure to use the full-fat variety, not the refrigerated kind or lite coconut milk.
  • Avocado
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – You can use natural cocoa powder, Dutch process, or raw cacao.
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Water
Chocolate syrup drizzled onto bowl of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 21

Picking the Perfect Avocado for Ice Cream

If you’re planning on making your ice cream the same day you’re shopping, you’ll want to buy a ripe avocado—one that yields to firm, gentle pressure without feeling mushy or soft.

Making your avocado ice cream later in the week? Then you can purchase a hard avocado, which will ripen in a few days.

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in bowl with spoon and sprinkles - 22

Vegan Ice Cream Toppings

  • Vegan hot fudge
  • Coconut whipped cream
  • Vegan sprinkles
  • Crumbled chocolate chip cookies
  • Chopped nuts
  • Ice cream cones

How to Make Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

Ready for some rich, decadent ice cream?! Let’s get started.

Avocado and coconut milk puree in food processor bowl - 23

Blend the avocado and coconut milk. Place the avocado and coconut milk in a food processor or blender and process until the mixture is smooth.

Chocolate avocado ice cream base in food processor bowl - 24

Add the remaining ingredients. Put the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and water into the blender or food processor and blend for about 2 minutes, or until the ingredients are fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Chocolate avocado ice cream in ice cream maker - 25

For an Ice Cream Machine:

Pour the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill. Churn the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

For No-Churn Ice Cream:

Place all of the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, whisking every 20 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming. It should get thicker after each time you whisk, until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Scoop of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream with sprinkles - 26

Tips for Success

Here are some hints and tips for perfect Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream!

  • Be careful with ingredient swaps. Making ice cream is like baking—it’s equal parts art and science, and if you start playing too much with the ingredients, you might not get the results you want.
  • Let the ice cream thaw before serving. If your freezer runs cold, you might need to let the ice cream sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
  • About mix-ins. If you want to add chocolate chips, fruit, or other mix-ins, I recommend incorporating them into softened ice cream just before serving for maximum freshness. You might think adding a handful of diced strawberries before freezing will be delicious, but they’ll freeze into something with the taste and texture of ice cubes!
Bowl of chocolate avocado ice cream with spoon - 27

How to Store

Store this ice cream in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.

| WHAT YOU’LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS |

Ingredients

  • 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk , 380 g
  • 4.5 oz avocado , about 1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted 127 g
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Vegan hot fudge , for drizzling
  • Vegan Sprinkles , for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  • Add the avocado and coconut milk to a food processor/blender and pulse together.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and blend in for about 2 minutes until smooth and incorporated, scraping down the bowl once.

Ice Cream Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set up before freezing. Freeze the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

No Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer and allow to freeze for 1 hour.
  • Whisk slightly every 20 minutes to avoid it getting too icy for 3-4 hours. It should be getting thicker after each whisking, until it’s firm enough to scoop.
  • To eat: serve immediately or when you are ready for it (after it’s been in the freezer), thaw for 5-10 minutes and scoop with an ice cream scoop.
  • You can optionally add hot fudge and sprinkles on top.

Notes

This vegan Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is a tasty treat with BIG chocolate flavor. Bonus: you can make it with or without an ice cream maker!

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in two cones on marble slab - 28

If you’re not usually a fan of avocados, you might be hovering over the X on your browser tab right now, but before you click away, let me tell you—this Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream is one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had.

And no, it doesn’t taste like avocado!

Now, I won’t say it tastes exactly like ice cream made with egg yolks and heavy cream, but the avocado makes adds terrific richness and texture without the dairy. The chocolate flavour is the star of the show here, and its taste masks the avocado.

You can make this ice cream with an ice cream maker or use the no-churn instructions below. However you make it, you can expect a luxurious, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavour. Serve a scoop over a warm vegan brownie for a doubly delicious dessert!

Ingredients for Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 29

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.

  • Full-fat coconut milk – Be sure to use the full-fat variety, not the refrigerated kind or lite coconut milk.
  • Avocado
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – You can use natural cocoa powder, Dutch process, or raw cacao.
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Water
Chocolate syrup drizzled onto bowl of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream - 30

Picking the Perfect Avocado for Ice Cream

If you’re planning on making your ice cream the same day you’re shopping, you’ll want to buy a ripe avocado—one that yields to firm, gentle pressure without feeling mushy or soft.

Making your avocado ice cream later in the week? Then you can purchase a hard avocado, which will ripen in a few days.

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in bowl with spoon and sprinkles - 31

Vegan Ice Cream Toppings

  • Vegan hot fudge
  • Coconut whipped cream
  • Vegan sprinkles
  • Crumbled chocolate chip cookies
  • Chopped nuts
  • Ice cream cones

How to Make Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

Ready for some rich, decadent ice cream?! Let’s get started.

Avocado and coconut milk puree in food processor bowl - 32

Blend the avocado and coconut milk. Place the avocado and coconut milk in a food processor or blender and process until the mixture is smooth.

Chocolate avocado ice cream base in food processor bowl - 33

Add the remaining ingredients. Put the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and water into the blender or food processor and blend for about 2 minutes, or until the ingredients are fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Chocolate avocado ice cream in ice cream maker - 34

For an Ice Cream Machine:

Pour the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill. Churn the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

For No-Churn Ice Cream:

Place all of the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, whisking every 20 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming. It should get thicker after each time you whisk, until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Scoop of Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream with sprinkles - 35

Tips for Success

Here are some hints and tips for perfect Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream!

  • Be careful with ingredient swaps. Making ice cream is like baking—it’s equal parts art and science, and if you start playing too much with the ingredients, you might not get the results you want.
  • Let the ice cream thaw before serving. If your freezer runs cold, you might need to let the ice cream sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
  • About mix-ins. If you want to add chocolate chips, fruit, or other mix-ins, I recommend incorporating them into softened ice cream just before serving for maximum freshness. You might think adding a handful of diced strawberries before freezing will be delicious, but they’ll freeze into something with the taste and texture of ice cubes!
Bowl of chocolate avocado ice cream with spoon - 36

How to Store

Store this ice cream in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.

| WHAT YOU’LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS |

Ingredients

  • 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk , 380 g
  • 4.5 oz avocado , about 1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted 127 g
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Vegan hot fudge , for drizzling
  • Vegan Sprinkles , for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  • Add the avocado and coconut milk to a food processor/blender and pulse together.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and blend in for about 2 minutes until smooth and incorporated, scraping down the bowl once.

Ice Cream Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set up before freezing. Freeze the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

No Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer and allow to freeze for 1 hour.
  • Whisk slightly every 20 minutes to avoid it getting too icy for 3-4 hours. It should be getting thicker after each whisking, until it’s firm enough to scoop.
  • To eat: serve immediately or when you are ready for it (after it’s been in the freezer), thaw for 5-10 minutes and scoop with an ice cream scoop.
  • You can optionally add hot fudge and sprinkles on top.

Notes

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream in two cones on marble slab - 37

Vegan Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

Ingredients

  • 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk 380 g
  • 4.5 oz avocado about 1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted 127 g
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Vegan hot fudge for drizzling
  • Vegan Sprinkles for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  • Add the avocado and coconut milk to a food processor/blender and pulse together.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and blend in for about 2 minutes until smooth and incorporated, scraping down the bowl once.

Ice Cream Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set up before freezing. Freeze the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

No Machine

  • Place all ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer and allow to freeze for 1 hour.
  • Whisk slightly every 20 minutes to avoid it getting too icy for 3-4 hours. It should be getting thicker after each whisking, until it’s firm enough to scoop.
  • To eat: serve immediately or when you are ready for it (after it’s been in the freezer), thaw for 5-10 minutes and scoop with an ice cream scoop.
  • You can optionally add hot fudge and sprinkles on top.

Notes

Nutrition

Vegan Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream https://jessicainthekitchen.com/vegan-creamy-chocolate-avocado-ice-cream/ May 13, 2022

This homemade sofritas recipe is even better than Chipotle! Crumbled tofu is simmered in a smoky, spicy sofrito sauce for the perfect protein for adding to burritos, tacos, and Tex-Mex salads!

Overhead view of loaded burrito bowl with sofritas - 38

So many fast-casual restaurant chains seem to forget that vegans exist, but Chipotle is one of those glorious places that provides plenty of plant-based options. If you can’t get enough of their vegan sofritas, you’ll be happy to know that it’s easy to make at home.

And, not to toot my own horn, but this homemade sofritas recipe is even better than the original!

To develop this recipe, I investigated the ingredients listed on Chipotle’s website, figured out how to translate them to a smaller batch, and experimented with the sauce that brings it all together: sofrito .

Wooden spoon holding sofritas over cast iron skillet - 39

What Is Sofrito?

Sofrito is an aromatic sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers that’s popular in Spanish and Latin American cuisine. It can be used as a cooking base or as a condiment, and it’s what gives Chipotle sofritas its unique flavour.

You can buy jars of sofrito at many grocery stores, but if you’re making it yourself, you simply puree the ingredients in a blender , then cook it. If you’re used to cooking sauce ingredients and then pureeing them, this might seem contrary to everything you know about cooking, but it works!

The flavour of sofrito will vary depending on how long you cook it; you’ll get a fresh, garden salsa type of flavour with a shorter cooking time, and more depth if you let it simmer and thicken.

Overhead view of sofritas ingredients with labels - 40

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.

  • Olive oil
  • Yellow onion – A white onion will work, too.
  • Garlic
  • Extra-firm tofu – Press it for 30 minutes, then crumble it.
  • Red bell pepper
  • Roma tomatoes
  • Vegetable broth – Use store-bought or homemade vegetable broth .
  • Canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce – You’ll need both sauce and peppers.
  • Tomato paste
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Brown sugar – You can reduce the brown sugar or add more if you want more of a sweet-and-smoky flavour. Do add at least a pinch, though, because it cuts the acidity of the fresh tomatoes.
  • Dried oregano
  • Ground cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Sea salt

What Is Chipotle in Adobo?

Chipotle in adobo is a smoked, dried jalapeño that’s been rehydrated and canned in a vinegary tomato sauce. It adds both heat and smoky flavour to dishes, and you can add as much or as little as you like to your sofritas.

How to Make Vegan Sofritas

Ready to make your own sofritas at home? Here’s what you’ll need to do.

Sauté the aromatics . In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they’re translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes.

Crumbled tofu cooking in cast iron skillet - 41

Cook the tofu . Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet, along with a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the tofu is lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the tofu mixture to a bowl and wipe out the pan.

Overhead view of sofrito in blender - 42

Make the sofrito . Combine the bell pepper, tomatoes, vegetable broth, chipotle pepper and sauce, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, sugar, oregano, cumin, and paprika in a blender. Process until almost smooth, but not quite—some small bits of veggies will add texture to the sofritas.

Sofrito in cast iron skillet - 43

Cook the sofrito . Pour the sofrito into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and no longer tastes like raw tomato.

Stirring tofu into sofrito in skillet - 44

Finish . Add the tofu to the skillet with the sofrito. Stir to coat, then continue to heat on low for 5 minutes to let the flavours meld. Season with salt to taste, then serve.

Overhead view of sofritas in cast iron skillet - 45

Ideas for Using Sofritas

Any way you’d use beans or (faux) taco meat, you can use your sofritas. Here are some of my favourite ways to eat them.

  • Stuffed into a burrito with rice, fajita veggies, lettuce, guacamole , and salsa
  • Folded into tacos with lettuce and cashew cream
  • As a topping for a vegan taco salad or burrito bowl
  • Served over nachos with all the fixings
  • Sprinkled over vegan pizza crust with salsa and plant-based pepper jack for a taco pizza
Burrito bowl with vegan sofritas - 46

Tips for Success

These pointers will help you make perfect vegan tofu sofritas!

  • Press the tofu to get all the liquid out . This will improve its texture and its ability to absorb the flavours of the sauce. (Learn more: How To Cook Tofu 101 + Best Tips on Making the Most Delicious Tofu )
  • Crumble the tofu as big or as small as you like . Chipotle sofritas are crumbled very small, but when you make it yourself, you can change that! Bigger crumbles are great for tacos.
  • Use extra-firm tofu for the chewiest texture . While Chipotle uses firm tofu in its sofritas, I tested this recipe with both firm and extra-firm tofu and preferred extra-firm.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover sofritas will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat your sofritas in the microwave or in a skillet set over medium heat.

Can You Freeze This Recipe?

Sofritas freeze well for up to 3 months, so feel free to make a double batch and save some for later. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.

Cast iron skillet of sofritas with wooden spoon and garnishes - 47

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion , diced
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 (16-ounce) package extra firm tofu , pressed for 30 minutes and crumbled
  • 1 medium red bell pepper , quartered and seeded
  • 2 Roma tomatoes , quartered
  • ¼ cup vegetable broth
  • 2 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon canned adobo sauce , from the can of chipotle peppers
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • sea salt , to taste

Instructions

  • In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add in the onions and saute for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add in the garlic and saute for another 2 minutes. Add the crumbled tofu with a generous pinch of salt, and cook, stirring often, until the tofu is lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the cooked tofu mix to a bowl and clean out the pan.
  • Place the red bell pepper, tomatoes, water or stock, chipotle pepper and sauce,
  • tomato paste, red wine vinegar, sugar, oregano, cumin, and paprika in a blender. Process until almost smooth—a few small bits of tomatoes will add texture to the sofritas.
  • Return the skillet to the stovetop and pour in the sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and no longer tastes like raw tomato.
  • Add the tofu to the skillet with the sauce; stir to coat, and heat on low for 5 minutes to let the flavours meld. Season with salt to taste if needed, then add the sofritas to burritos, burrito bowls, salads, etc.

Notes