Arroz Con Gandules(Rice With Pigeon Peas)
Arroz con gandules is a flavorful Puerto Rican rice dish featuring tender pigeon peas, cured ham, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pigeon peas, soaked overnight and cooked until tender or canned ⓘ
- 2 c. rice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. pork, rinsed and diced ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. lean cured ham, rinsed and diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sofrito ⓘ
- 1 c. alcaparrado (olive-caper mix) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp. dry white wine (optional) ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. small red beans, soaked overnight and cooked tender ⓘ
- 3 c. rice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain cooked beans and set aside, reserving 3 cups of the cooking liquid.
- Wash rice under cold running water and drain.
- Heat oil in a heavy kettle or Dutch oven.
- Brown salt pork until browned.
- Add chopped onion and green bell pepper and saute for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and cook for a minute.
- Add the cooked beans and the reserved cooking liquid.
- Mix in salt, pepper, oregano, and other seasonings as desired.
- Bring to a boil over moderate heat and cook uncovered until water is absorbed and rice is dry, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade sofrito, which can enhance the dish significantly. If you don’t have pigeon peas, you can substitute with black-eyed peas or chickpeas. To make it vegetarian, omit the pork and ham, and add more vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Adjust the seasoning based on your palate, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Con Gandules with a side of avocado salad or fried plantains for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Red Cabbage Rolls or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside Sauteed Liver With Bacon. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an aromatic finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This helps to prevent the rice from drying out. You can also reheat it on the stovetop with a lid and a little water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Gandules(Rice With Pigeon Peas) contains roughly 1935 calories, with 28g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 168g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value), and calcium (120% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1863mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Arroz Con Gandules ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Arroz Con Gandules ahead of time. Cook the dish completely, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for the pork?
If you're looking for a substitute for the pork, you can use smoked tofu for a vegetarian option or additional vegetables like mushrooms for a meaty texture. For a non-vegetarian alternative, consider using chicken or turkey sausage.
How do I ensure the rice is cooked perfectly?
To ensure perfectly cooked rice, use the right water-to-rice ratio, typically 1.5 to 2 cups of liquid for every cup of rice. Avoid stirring too much while it's cooking, as this can make the rice gummy. Follow the simmering times closely for optimal results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).