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Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con Gandules
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Arroz con Gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish combining fluffy medium-grain rice with tender pigeon peas, infused with authentic island flavors and vibrant colors. This easy, one-pot recipe uses simple pantry staples and aromatic recaito to create a comforting and versatile meal perfect for family dinners or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups medium-grain rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) pigeon peas (gandules), drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • ½ cup recaito (fresh herb blend of cilantro, onions, and peppers)
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 packet sazón with annatto
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped recaito and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
  2. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce along with adobo seasoning, sazón, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the sauce darkens slightly and thickens.
  3. Incorporate Pigeon Peas and Rice: Add the drained and rinsed pigeon peas to the pot. Mix in the rice thoroughly, ensuring each grain is well-coated with the sauce and seasonings.
  4. Add Broth and Cook: Pour in the chicken broth or your chosen liquid. Stir briefly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is cooked through.
  5. Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute the pigeon peas before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh recaito for a brighter, more authentic flavor compared to store-bought blends.
  • Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier, non-sticky grains.
  • A tight-fitting lid is important to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
  • Letting the rice rest after cooking enhances texture by allowing moisture to redistribute.
  • Adjust liquid amounts slightly based on rice type and pot used to achieve ideal doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Arroz con Gandules, Puerto Rican rice, pigeon peas, recaito, one-pot meal, traditional Puerto Rican recipe, gluten-free rice dish

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/arroz-con-gandules/