Arroz con gandules

Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con Gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that combines rice and pigeon peas. It is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is often served during special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

To make Arroz con Gandules, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of long-grain rice
• 1 can of pigeon peas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup of sofrito (a mixture of onions, peppers, garlic, and cilantro)
• 1/4 cup of tomato sauce
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sazon seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Arroz con Gandules:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sofrito and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for another minute.
4. Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the sofrito mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
7. Stir in the pigeon peas and season with sazon, salt, and pepper.
8. Cover the pot again and let it sit for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Serving

Arroz con Gandules is typically served as a side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats, such as pernil (roast pork) or pollo asado (grilled chicken). It can also be enjoyed on its own as a main course.

Variations

While the basic recipe for Arroz con Gandules remains the same, there are variations that incorporate additional ingredients such as diced ham, olives, or capers. Some recipes also call for the use of annatto oil, which gives the rice a vibrant yellow color.