Easy Rice with Pigeon Peas Arroz Con Gandules
Bring the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine to your table with this Easy Rice with Pigeon Peas (Arroz con Gandules), a comforting one-pot dish bursting with savory spices and rich aromas. Featuring tender long-grain rice simmered with sofrito, sazón with achiote, and a touch of smoked paprika, this recipe is layered with warmth and zest. Pigeon peas (gandules) and optional green olives add delicious texture and briny depth, while the optional garnish of fresh cilantro provides a fragrant finishing touch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this authentic arroz con gandules is perfect as a flavorful side dish or a hearty main course. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe brings joy to every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15-ounce) pigeon peas (gandules), drained and rinsed
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
- 0.33 cup sofrito
- 0.25 cup Spanish-style tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet sazón with achiote
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 cup pimento-stuffed green olives (optional), sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional), chopped
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sofrito and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce, sazón with achiote, oregano, adobo seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
Add the pigeon peas, water or chicken broth, and sliced green olives (if using). Stir well to distribute the seasonings.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the rice, ensuring it is evenly submerged in the liquid.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1368 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.7 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2550 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 207.1 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.3 g | 115% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.7 g | ||
| Protein | 35.8 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 244 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1782 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
