Puerto Rican Rice
Experience the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this irresistible Puerto Rican Rice, a classic dish brimming with authentic Caribbean flair. Made with long-grain white rice, aromatic sofrito, and seasoned to perfection with sazón, adobo, cumin, and oregano, this recipe delivers a rich, savory flavor in every bite. Pigeon peas (gandules) and pimento-stuffed green olives add bursts of texture and briny notes, while a simmer in chicken broth or water ensures tender, fluffy rice with just the right amount of moisture. This one-pot wonder, ready in under an hour, is perfect as a hearty side dish or a crowd-pleasing star of your next meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a touch of brightness and serve warm for a taste of Puerto Rico's culinary heritage. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish will quickly become a favorite! Keywords: Puerto Rican Rice, arroz con gandules, authentic Puerto Rican recipe, Caribbean rice dish, sofrito rice recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.25 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
- 0.25 cup tomato sauce
- 1 packet sazón with annatto
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 15-ounce can pigeon peas (gandules), drained and rinsed
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
- 0.25 cup pimento-stuffed green olives
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, and set aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or caldero, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sofrito and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce, sazón packet, adobo seasoning, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the pigeon peas and mix well to coat them with the seasoning mixture.
Pour in the water or chicken broth, salt, and green olives. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, carefully add the rinsed rice, stirring gently to distribute it evenly in the pot.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1354 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.8 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4812 mg | 209% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 201.9 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.7 g | 117% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.7 g | ||
| Protein | 36.3 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 271 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 1572 mg | 33% | |
*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.
