Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will make your kitchen smell like a Caribbean paradise! Arroz con Gandules is more than just a rice dish – it's a cultural celebration packed with bold flavors and rich Puerto Rican tradition. This iconic recipe combines tender long-grain rice with hearty pigeon peas, creating a mouthwatering side dish that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Whether you're looking to explore new cuisines or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can (15 oz) pigeon peas, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or caldero, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the pot, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds to release their aromatic flavors without burning.
- Pour in the drained pigeon peas and stir to combine with the vegetables, allowing them to absorb the flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring gently to coat the rice with the vegetable mixture and distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- After the cooking time, remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice and create a fluffy texture.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving, ensuring the pigeon peas are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent a sticky final texture.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A traditional caldero or a thick-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time developing flavors by slowly cooking onions, peppers, and garlic until they're soft and fragrant.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Stick to the recommended chicken broth amount to achieve the perfect rice consistency.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the rice to sit covered for 5-10 minutes. This steaming process ensures fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.
- Fluff Gently: Use a fork to separate the rice grains when serving, keeping the texture light and airy.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra flavor, consider adding sofrito, olives, or a sprinkle of cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
