Noun
sofrito (countable and uncountable, plural sofritos)
(cooking) A sautéed mixture of chopped onions, garlic, and tomato and/or (chili) peppers, and sometimes carrots, celery, and/or herbs, used as the beginning point of a dish, especially in Hispanic or Portuguese cuisine.
Coordinate term: soffritto
It is used with bean dishes, meat dishes, chicken, etc. My mom used to make a large sofrito mix (without the bay leaves)about once a week, store in a wide mouth jar with a bit of olive oil drizzled on top and keep in refrigerator. Source: Internet
The sofrito is the special thing, and the sugar. Source: Internet