Best Arroz Con Gandules Rice With Pigeon Peas Recipes

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ARROZ CON GANDULES (RICE AND PIGEON PEAS)



Arroz Con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas) image

This recipe starts with fresh pigeon peas and I am translating it from Spanish. It comes from an old cookbook, originally published in 1954 called "Cocina Criolla" by Carmen Aboy Valldejuli who was born in 1912. So I suppose she would know Puerto Rican cooking if anyone does!

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Rice

Time 1h15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb pigeon peas, picked over and rinsed clean (fresh gandules)
10 cups water, divided
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 ounce bacon, minced
1 ounce ham, minced
1 medium onion, minced
1 aji bell peppers, seeded and minced (small sweet pepper that resembles an habanero)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and minced
1 medium tomatoes, minced
3 stems culantro, minced
3 fresh cilantro stems, minced
3 tablespoons achiote oil (Achiote Oil)
1/4 cup tomato sauce
3 pimento stuffed olives
1/2 teaspoon capers
2 1/4 cups long grain white rice

Steps:

  • Soak pigeon peas overnight in 6 cups of water; drain and discard water.
  • In a large, covered pot, combine peas with 4 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook 30 minutes.
  • Season with salt and cook 15 minutes more; drain, reserving 3 cups of the cooking liquid (you may need to add more water to end up with the 3 cups).
  • Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, lightly brown the bacon and ham; add in the remaining sofrito ingredients and saute, over low heat until all the ingredients are tender and the tomatoes break down.
  • Stir in the additional ingredients and combine well; stir in the peas and rice.
  • Add the 3 cups of reserved cooking liquid and let cook, uncovered, until almost dry (it will look like little volcanos are erupting); stir up the rice from the bottom.
  • Cover and turn the heat down to the lowest setting and let cook 30 minutes, turning the rice, from the bottom, once halfway through cooking.
  • NOTE: This is how the dish is supposed to be cooked. I prefer to add the olives after the last turning of the rice for a "cleaner" flavor.

ARROZ CON GANDULES (RICE AND PIGEON PEAS)



Arroz Con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas) image

This is a traditional Christmas Eve dish from Puerto Rico. Most people add the alcaparrado (olives and capers) at the beginning of cooking. I think this makes the dish taste "funny." I stir in the olives and capers at the end of cooking which I think makes for a cleaner flavor. This recipe is based on one by Daisy martinez. Look at recipe #244296 for the achiote (annatto) oil and recipe #444676 for the sofrito, or use your favorite or get store-bought. This recipe makes a lot.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 35m

Yield 10-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup achiote oil (Achiote Oil)
1 cup sofrito sauce (Sofrito (Daisy Martinez))
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 lbs pork neck bones
15 ounces pigeon peas, rinsed and drained
6 cups long grain rice
8 cups beef broth
1 banana leaf (optional)
3 tablespoons alcaparrado or 3 tablespoons pimento-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Heat achiote oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat until it ripples; stir in sofrito and season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
  • Cook until sofrito reduces and starts sizzling, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the neck bones, peas, and rice until everything is lightly covered with oil.
  • Add enough broth to cover rice and bones by the width of two fingers.
  • Cover with a banana leaf, if using, folding as necessary to fit into the pot.
  • Bring to a boil and let cook until the level of broth reaches the level of the rice (it will look like numerous volcanos).
  • Remove leaf, add in olives, give a good stir, replace leaf, reduce heat to low, cover and cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove leaf and fluff with fork; serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 565, Fat 2.1, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 0.6, Sodium 2565, Carbohydrate 116, Fiber 8, Sugar 0.1, Protein 18.8

ARROZ CON GANDULES (RICE WITH PIGEON PEAS)



Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas) image

Feed a crowd with this authentic Arroz con Gandules recipe, which was handed down to me from my mom. It's a staple with the "familia" at all our gatherings. -Evelyn Robles, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 18 servings (3/4 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup sofrito
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 cups uncooked long grain rice
1 envelope Goya sazon with coriander and annatto
7 cups water
1 can (15 ounces) pigeon peas, drained
2 cans (5 ounces each) Vienna sausage, drained and chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1 envelope Goya ham-flavored concentrate
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook Sofrito in oil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add rice and sazon; cook and stir until rice is lightly toasted, 3-4 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until rice is tender, 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 537mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

ARROZ CON GANDULES (RICE AND PIGEON PEAS)-A PUERTO RICAN FAV



Arroz Con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas)-A Puerto Rican Fav image

Make and share this Arroz Con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas)-A Puerto Rican Fav recipe from Food.com.

Provided by kimjunae

Categories     Short Grain Rice

Time 50m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups white rice (short grain)
1 (15 ounce) can pigeon peas
1 (5 g) packet sazon goya
4 ounces tomato sauce
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
2 tablespoons sofrito sauce
2 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons adobo seasoning

Steps:

  • Pour olive oil in a cast iron/aluminum pot until hot.
  • Bring the temp up to med-high and pour in water, bullion, tomato sauce, sofrito, adobo, and sazon until it comes to a boil.
  • Pour in pigeon peas (gandules) and let boil for a minute.
  • Pour in rice.
  • Stir ONCE and put the lid on it, sealing tightly.
  • Let sit for 20 minutes on low-medium.
  • If the rice looks gummy DO NOT STIR IT, just put the lid back on and wait until the rice is firm (ready).
  • If you desire the crunchiness on the bottom, once the rice is done cooking, put the temp on very low temp and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The bottom will loosen up from the moisture (since it it's done cooking).

RICE WITH PIGEON PEAS - ARROZ CON GANDULES



Rice With Pigeon Peas - Arroz Con Gandules image

This is one of my favorite Puerto Rican rice recipe. I love pigeon peas. You can find sazon and pigeon peas in the hispanic section of the grocery store. Pigeon Peas are Puerto Rico's national dish. This recipe is from About.com.

Provided by 1PugMom2

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup sofrito sauce
1/2 cup chopped ham (or cooked pork pieces)
2 cups rice
4 cups water
1 1/4 ounces , goya sazon seasoning found in latin markets
1 (15 ounce) can pigeon peas (drained and rinsed)

Steps:

  • 1. Heat olive oil in a 6-quart pot. Saute the sofrito and chopped ham for 1 minute.
  • 2.Add the rice, water, sazon and pigeon peas.
  • 3.Bring to a boil. Let boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • 4.Cover, reduce heat to medium low, and cook for 35 to 40 minutes.
  • TIP: Do not use a lid with a vent that allows the steam to escape.
  • Never lift the lid while cooking.
  • 5.When finished cooking, stir the rice before serving. It should be light and fluffy.

What is “Arroz con Gandules”?

Arroz con Gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with rice and pigeon peas. It is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is usually served as a main dish or as a side dish. The dish is known for its delicious flavors and colorful presentation, making it a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings.

The Origins of Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con Gandules dates back to the early days of Puerto Rican history, when African slaves used to cultivate and cook pigeon peas with rice. This dish was also influenced by the Spanish, who introduced rice to the island of Puerto Rico in the 16th century. Over time, the dish evolved to include different spices and seasonings, making it the delicious and flavorful dish it is today.

The Ingredients of Arroz con Gandules

The main ingredients of Arroz con Gandules are rice and pigeon peas, also known as gandules. The dish is typically seasoned with sofrito, a blend of onion, garlic, peppers, and herbs that adds a great depth of flavor. Additional ingredients may include ham, bacon, or sausage for added richness and flavor.
Rice
The type of rice used in Arroz con Gandules is usually a medium or long-grain variety, such as jasmine or basmati. This type of rice is able to absorb the flavors of the sofrito and other ingredients, creating a delicious and aromatic dish.
Pigeon Peas
Pigeon peas are a small, round legume that is a staple ingredient in Caribbean cuisine. They are typically cooked with the rice and other ingredients in Arroz con Gandules and provide a nutty, almost buttery flavor and texture.
Sofrito
Sofrito is a sauce that is used in many Puerto Rican dishes, including Arroz con Gandules. The sauce is made with a mix of onion, garlic, peppers, and herbs that are blended together to create a flavorful base for the dish.
Meat
Arroz con Gandules can be prepared with a variety of meats, including ham, bacon, or sausage. The meat is usually diced or sliced and added to the dish during the cooking process, providing additional flavor and texture.

The Cooking Process

Arroz con Gandules is a relatively simple dish to prepare, although it does require some time and attention to ensure that the rice is cooked to perfection. The rice and pigeon peas are cooked together with the sofrito and other seasonings, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Preparing the Sofrito
To prepare the sofrito, the onion, garlic, peppers, and herbs are blended together in a food processor or blender until smooth. The sofrito is then heated in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Adding the Rice and Pigeon Peas
Once the sofrito is heated, the rice and pigeon peas are added to the pot and stirred to combine with the sofrito. The mixture is then cooked for several minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the sofrito.
Adding the Meat
If using meat, it is added to the pot and stirred to combine with the rice mixture. The dish is then covered and simmered over low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.

Variations of Arroz con Gandules

While the traditional Arroz con Gandules recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations that can be made to add even more flavor and texture to the dish. Some popular variations include adding vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers, substituting the meat for seafood, or even adding coconut milk for a creamy and flavorful twist.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables to the dish can provide additional texture and flavor. Carrots, bell peppers, or even tomatoes can be added to the sofrito or to the rice mixture to create a well-rounded and flavorful dish.
Seafood
Substituting the meat for seafood can add a delicious and unique flavor to the dish. Shrimp, crab, or even lobster can be added to the dish during the cooking process to create a seafood Arroz con Gandules that is sure to impress.
Coconut Milk
Adding coconut milk to the dish can create a creamy and flavorful variation of Arroz con Gandules. The coconut milk is added to the sofrito or to the rice mixture during the cooking process, adding a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Arroz con Gandules is a delicious and flavorful Puerto Rican dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking process, it is a favorite for gatherings and celebrations, as well as for everyday family meals. Whether made with traditional ingredients or with unique variations, Arroz con Gandules is sure to become a favorite dish in any home.
Arroz con gandules, also known as rice with pigeon peas, is a traditional dish in many Latin American countries, particularly in Puerto Rico. It is a flavorful, aromatic dish that is easy to make and perfect for serving as a side dish or a main course. While the recipe may seem simple, there are a few tips and tricks that can turn a good arroz con gandules into an excellent one. In this article, we will be discussing some valuable tips to help you make the perfect arroz con gandules rice with pigeon peas recipes.

Choosing the Right Rice

The first tip for making great arroz con gandules is to choose the right rice. An important aspect of this dish is the texture of the rice, which should be fluffy and not sticky. When shopping for rice, look for long-grain rice, which has less starch than short-grain rice. Avoid using parboiled rice or quick-cooking rice, as they will not give you the desired texture.

Choosing the Right Pigeon Peas

Another important aspect of arroz con gandules is the pigeon peas. While you can use canned pigeon peas, fresh or frozen pigeon peas will give you a better flavor and texture. If you are using fresh pigeon peas, make sure to shell them before cooking. Frozen pigeon peas can be cooked directly from the freezer.

Sautéing the Aromatics

A crucial step in making arroz con gandules is sautéing the aromatics. These include onions, garlic, and peppers. Sautéing the aromatics will release their flavors and create a rich base for the dish. The key is to sauté them slowly in oil until they are soft and aromatic, but not browned.

Adding Flavor with Sofrito

Sofrito is a blend of aromatics that is commonly used in Latin American cooking. It is made with onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs, and can be used to add flavor and complexity to arroz con gandules. You can make your own sofrito or buy it pre-made at the grocery store. Add a few spoonfuls of sofrito to your sautéed aromatics for added flavor.

Using Chicken Broth

Another tip for making great arroz con gandules is to use chicken broth instead of water. Chicken broth will add richness and depth of flavor to the rice. You can use store-bought chicken broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones with aromatics and water for several hours.

Adding Sazón

Sazón is a popular seasoning blend in Latin American cooking. It typically contains annatto, cumin, coriander, and other spices, and can be used to add color and flavor to arroz con gandules. If you cannot find sazón at the grocery store, you can make your own by combining annatto powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and salt.

Controlling the Heat

Arroz con gandules can be as spicy or as mild as you like, depending on the type and amount of peppers you use. If you want a mild dish, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before cooking. If you want a spicier dish, leave them in or add some hot sauce or chili powder.

Avoid Over-Stirring

When cooking arroz con gandules, it is important to avoid over-stirring the rice. Stirring the rice too much can cause it to become sticky and gummy. Instead, stir the rice gently and infrequently, about once every 10-15 minutes, to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Letting the Rice Rest

After the rice is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Letting the rice rest will allow the flavors to meld and the texture to become firm. Cover the pot with a lid or a clean towel and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

Conclusion

Arroz con gandules is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. With these valuable tips, you can make the perfect arroz con gandules rice with pigeon peas recipes that your family and friends will love. Remember to choose the right rice and pigeon peas, sauté the aromatics, add flavor with sofrito and sazón, use chicken broth, control the heat, avoid over-stirring, and let the rice rest before serving. Happy cooking!

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