Rice With Pigeon Peas And Pork(Arroz Con Gandules Y Cerdo)
A flavorful Puerto Rican rice dish featuring tender pork, seasoned pigeon peas, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pigeon peas ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 small chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 small chopped green pepper
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. pork, cut in 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Chinese parsley (cilantro) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 2 cups water including the pigeon peas can juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Sazon with achiote ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute pork at medium heat in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Add chopped green pepper, onion, and minced garlic; simmer for a few minutes.
- Add rice, pigeon peas, water, salt, cumin, Sazon with achiote, and chopped cilantro; mix well.
- Cook slowly until the liquid evaporates.
- Stir, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is tender.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the pork in spices overnight. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If fresh pigeon peas are unavailable, you can use frozen or dried peas, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Adding a bay leaf while cooking can enhance the aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice warm, garnished with additional cilantro for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Fresh Collard Or Turnip Greens for a hearty meal. For a complete feast, consider offering a side of fried plantains or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pork.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covering to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Pigeon Peas And Pork(Arroz Con Gandules Y Cerdo) contains roughly 628 calories, with 17g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1407mg per serving (61% 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 this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the pork and using vegetable broth instead of water. Additionally, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for Sazon with achiote?
If you don't have Sazon with achiote, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. This will provide a similar flavor profile and color, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
How do I know when the rice is done cooking?
The rice is done when it has absorbed all the liquid and is tender to the bite. If you're unsure, taste a small spoonful before removing it from the heat. If it's still firm, add a little more water and continue cooking until it reaches the desired texture.
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).