Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a vibrant Caribbean paradise! Arroz con Gandules isn't just a simple rice dish - it's a celebration of flavor, culture, and tradition packed into every single bite. This iconic Puerto Rican recipe combines tender long-grain rice with hearty pigeon peas, creating a mouthwatering symphony of spices and textures that will make your family and friends beg for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can pigeon peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well to remove excess starch.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Drain the canned pigeon peas and add them to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains with the vegetable mixture and oil.
- Sprinkle thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper over the rice, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the liquid covers the rice by about an inch. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- After cooking time, remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the pigeon peas throughout, and serve hot as a delicious side dish or main course.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Critical: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Sauté Vegetables Carefully: Take time to properly soften onions and bell peppers, as they build the flavor foundation of your dish.
- Spice Distribution Matters: When adding spices, stir thoroughly to ensure even flavor throughout the rice.
- Liquid Level is Key: Ensure chicken broth covers rice by about an inch for perfect moisture and cooking.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the rice to sit covered for 5-10 minutes. This steaming process ensures perfectly cooked, tender rice.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This prevents burning and helps distribute heat evenly during cooking.Pro tip: For an authentic touch, consider using sofrito or adding a splash of beer to enhance the traditional Caribbean flavor profile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
