Vegetarian Arroz con Gandules
Savor the bold flavors of Puerto Rico with this vibrant and hearty Vegetarian Arroz con Gandules! This plant-based twist on the traditional rice dish combines aromatic sautéed vegetables, tender gandules (pigeon peas), and perfectly seasoned long-grain white rice, all simmered together with the richness of tomato sauce, sazón, and adobo. The addition of fragrant thyme, bay leaves, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro infuses every bite with authentic Caribbean flair. Cooked in a single pot for easy preparation, this comforting recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a nourishing, gluten-free meal perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Serve it as a flavorful main or a satisfying side dish—you’re guaranteed to bring some island sunshine to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 15 ounces canned gandules (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed
- 1 sazón seasoning packet
- 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 2 bay leaves
- 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the peppers are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, mixing well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Rinse the rice in cold water to remove excess starch, then add it to the pot along with the gandules (pigeon peas), sazón, adobo seasoning, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become more flavorful.
Discard the bay leaves. Fluff the rice with a fork, then mix in the chopped cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious vegetarian version of Arroz con Gandules!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
284 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.7 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 759 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.5 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 8.7 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 72 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 664 mg | 14% | |
*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.
