Arroz Con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas) Recipe
Arroz Con Gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican rice dish made with long-grain rice, pigeon peas, and a flavorful blend of aromatics and spices. This one-pot meal is seasoned with oregano and cumin, cooked in chicken broth, and brings a comforting, savory side or main dish to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Peas
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can (15 oz) pigeon peas, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic but not burnt.
- Combine Rice and Peas: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the grains with the oil and sautéed vegetables. Mix in the drained pigeon peas, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Add Broth and Boil: Carefully pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from the heat, keep the lid on, and allow the rice to sit for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving warm to enhance texture.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy grains.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels to your taste preference.
- Letting the rice sit covered after cooking allows moisture redistribution for better texture.
- Serve alongside roasted meats or as a standalone dish with a fresh salad.
Keywords: Arroz Con Gandules, Puerto Rican rice, pigeon peas rice, Latin cuisine, traditional Puerto Rican dish
