Spanish Rice With Candules (Pigeon Peas)
A flavorful Spanish-inspired rice dish featuring pigeon peas, olives, and savory seasonings, perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 3 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Add candules, olive oil, olives, adobo, and sofrito to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
- After about 6 minutes of cooking, stir the mixture.
- Cover again and continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Serve with your favorite meat recipe.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing diced onions and bell peppers in the olive oil before adding the other ingredients. If Goya candules are unavailable, you can substitute with canned black-eyed peas or chickpeas. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of saffron or turmeric for color and taste. Adjust the amount of adobo to suit your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Spanish Rice With Candules pairs beautifully with your favorite meat recipe, such as grilled chicken or pork. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or Cheese Tortilla Wedges. A splash of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors if you enjoy a bit of heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This will help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice With Candules (Pigeon Peas) contains roughly 762 calories, with 15g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically requires longer to cook. Increase the water to about 3 1/4 cups and simmer for about 30-35 minutes instead of 15-20 minutes.
What other proteins can I add to this dish?
You can incorporate cooked shrimp, chicken, or sausage into the rice during the last few minutes of cooking. This will infuse the dish with additional flavors. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Spanish Rice With Candules is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Always check the labels of canned ingredients like olives or adobo to ensure they are gluten-free, especially if you have sensitivities.
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).