I am excited to share with you my ultimate guide to making Arroz con Gandules.
This traditional Puerto Rican dish is a crowd-pleaser and will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and healthy ingredients.
So, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making Arroz con Gandules.
How to Make Arroz con Gandules
Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas, or gandules, is called arroz con gandules. It’s served at Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and nuptials.
Sofrito—sautéed onions, peppers, garlic, and sometimes tomato sauce—is used to boil rice for Arroz con Gandules.
Pigeon peas, water, poultry broth, saffron, and annatto oil are added to rice. Then, the rice is boiled on low heat until the flavours blend.
Arroz con Gandules Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 1 can of pigeon peas (gandules)
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of sofrito (or more, to taste)
- 1 tbsp of adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp of saffron (optional)
- 2 tbsp of annatto oil (optional)
Step by Step Instructions to Make Arroz con Gandules
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Begin by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice. Then, add the rice to a large pot or rice cooker.
Step 2: Adding the Pigeon Peas
Next, add the can of pigeon peas to the rice. Be sure to drain and rinse the peas beforehand.
Step 3: Adding the Liquid
Add 4 cups of water or chicken broth to the pot or rice cooker. If you prefer more flavorful rice, chicken broth is recommended.
Step 4: Adding the Sofrito
Add 1/4 cup of sofrito to the pot or rice cooker. Sofrito is a mix of onions, peppers, garlic, and sometimes tomato sauce. It’s a crucial ingredient in many Latin American dishes and adds a ton of flavor to the rice.
Step 5: Seasoning
Add 1 tbsp of adobo seasoning to the pot or rice cooker. Adobo is a blend of garlic, oregano, and other spices that adds a lot of flavor to the rice. You can also add a teaspoon of saffron for an extra pop of color and flavor. If you want a more vibrant color, add 2 tbsp of annatto oil.
Step 6: Cooking
Stir all the ingredients in the pot or rice cooker until everything is evenly distributed. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 7: Letting it Rest
Once the rice is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes it fluffier.
Step 8: Serving
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it hot. It pairs perfectly with roasted pork, chicken, or beef. You can also serve it with plantains, avocado, or any other sides you prefer.
Arroz con Gandules Faq’s
Can I use other types of rice instead of long-grain rice?
While long-grain rice is the most traditional option, you can use other types of rice such as medium-grain or jasmine rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Can I use fresh pigeon peas instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use fresh pigeon peas instead of canned ones. However, you’ll need to boil them separately before adding them to the rice.
Is Arroz con Gandules gluten-free?
Yes, Arroz con Gandules is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth or water and check that your adobo seasoning is gluten-free.
Arroz con Gandules Variations
Arroz con Gandules y Tocino (Bacon Arroz con Gandules): Add cooked bacon to the rice for an extra smoky and savory flavor.
Arroz con Gandules y Pollo (Chicken Arroz con Gandules): Add diced chicken to the rice for a protein-packed meal.
Arroz con Gandules y Coco (Coconut Arroz con Gandules): Use coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamy and tropical twist.
Arroz con Gandules con Calamares (Squid Arroz con Gandules): Add squid to the rice for a seafood variation.
Arroz con Gandules con Verduras (Vegetable Arroz con Gandules): Omit the meat and add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
Arroz con Gandules con Puerco Asado (Roasted Pork Arroz con Gandules): Serve the rice alongside roasted pork for a classic Puerto Rican combination.
Arroz con Gandules con Habichuelas (Rice and Pigeon Peas with Beans): Add kidney beans or black beans to the rice for an extra dose of protein and fiber.
Arroz con Gandules Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 1 can of pigeon peas gandules
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of sofrito or more, to taste
- 1 tbsp of adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp of saffron optional
- 2 tbsp of annatto oil optional
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice. Then, add the rice to a large pot or rice cooker.
- Next, add the can of pigeon peas to the rice. Be sure to drain and rinse the peas beforehand.
- Add 4 cups of water or chicken broth to the pot or rice cooker. If you prefer a more flavorful rice, chicken broth is recommended.
- Add 1/4 cup of sofrito to the pot or rice cooker. Sofrito is a mix of onions, peppers, garlic, and sometimes tomato sauce. It’s a crucial ingredient in many Latin American dishes and adds a ton of flavor to the rice.
- Add 1 tbsp of adobo seasoning to the pot or rice cooker. Adobo is a blend of garlic, oregano, and other spices that adds a lot of flavor to the rice. You can also add a teaspoon of saffron for an extra pop of color and flavor. If you want a more vibrant color, add 2 tbsp of annatto oil.
- Stir all the ingredients in the pot or rice cooker until everything is evenly distributed. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes it fluffier.
Arroz con Gandules is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and a must-try for any food lover.
With these simple steps, you can easily make this delicious and flavorful rice dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
It’s perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a holiday celebration. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own.
