Puerto Rican Pigeon Peas Rice Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with this Puerto Rican Pigeon Peas Rice Delight. This beloved dish, also known as Arroz Con Gandules, combines tender short grain rice with hearty pigeon peas, aromatic sofrito, and a medley of spices. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, this recipe captures the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine, making it a favorite at any table. With each spoonful, you'll enjoy the perfect balance of taste and texture that brings warmth and comfort to your dining experience. Share this delightful dish with friends and family and enjoy a taste of tradition!
10
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
white rice
2 cups (short grain, rinsed)
pigeon peas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
sazon goya
1 packet (5 g) ( )
tomato sauce
4 ounces ( )
chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon ( )
sofrito sauce
2 tablespoons ( )
water
2 cups ( )
olive oil
2 tablespoons ( )
adobo seasoning
2 teaspoons ( )
Instructions
1
In a large cast iron or aluminum pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Carefully pour in the water, followed by the chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, sofrito sauce, adobo seasoning, and the contents of the sazon packet. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
3
Add the pigeon peas to the pot, allowing the mixture to boil for an additional minute.
4
Gently pour in the washed short grain rice. Take care to stir only once to avoid breaking the grains.
5
Cover the pot tightly with a lid, ensuring no steam escapes, and reduce the heat to low-medium. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.
6
After the cooking time, check the rice. If it appears gummy, do not stir; simply replace the lid and let it cook for a few more minutes until the rice is fully cooked and firm.
7
If you prefer a crispy bottom, reduce the heat to very low once the rice is cooked and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes. This will create a delicious 'socarrat' at the bottom of the pot.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
40g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puerto Rican Pigeon Peas Rice Delight?
It is a traditional Puerto Rican dish, also known as Arroz Con Gandules, that combines short grain rice, pigeon peas, sofrito, and aromatic spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What type of rice is best for Arroz Con Gandules?
The recipe recommends using short grain white rice that has been rinsed.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What are the primary seasonings used in this recipe?
The key seasonings include adobo seasoning, a sazon packet, chicken bouillon, and sofrito sauce.
How do I make the rice crispy at the bottom?
Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to very low and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to create a delicious crispy layer called 'socarrat'.
Why should I only stir the rice once?
Stirring only once after adding the rice helps prevent the grains from breaking and ensures the proper texture.
What should I do if the rice turns out gummy?
If the rice appears gummy, do not stir it; simply replace the lid and let it cook for a few more minutes until it is firm.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal, as the entire dish is cooked in a single large cast iron or aluminum pot.
How much fat is in one serving of this rice dish?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
One serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There are 6 grams of protein in each serving of this dish.
Do I need to prepare the pigeon peas before cooking?
Yes, you should use one 15-ounce can of pigeon peas that has been drained and rinsed.
What is the purpose of sofrito in this recipe?
Sofrito is an aromatic sauce that serves as the flavor base for the rice, providing traditional Puerto Rican taste.
How long does the rice need to cook once the pot is covered?
The rice should cook undisturbed on low-medium heat for 20 minutes.
What kind of pot is recommended for this recipe?
A large cast iron or aluminum pot is recommended for the best results.
How much water is needed for 2 cups of rice?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water to be combined with the 2 cups of rice.
What is the first step in preparing this dish?
The first step is to heat olive oil in the pot over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe uses chicken bouillon, but it is tagged as vegetarian; to ensure it is strictly vegetarian, use vegetable bouillon instead.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of tomato sauce.
When should the pigeon peas be added to the pot?
Add the pigeon peas once the water and spice mixture has reached a rolling boil.
What is Sazon Goya?
It is a seasoning packet commonly used in Hispanic cooking to add color and flavor to rice and bean dishes.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I use this recipe for special occasions?
Yes, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or any time you want a taste of Puerto Rican tradition.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Should the pot be covered during the 20-minute cook time?
Yes, cover the pot tightly with a lid to ensure no steam escapes while the rice cooks.
What is the amount of adobo seasoning needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of adobo seasoning.
Can I use long grain rice instead of short grain?
While short grain is recommended for this specific delight, long grain can be used, though the texture and water absorption may vary.
What does 'shimmering' mean in terms of heating oil?
Shimmering means the oil is hot enough to move fluidly and look shiny, but is not yet smoking.
Is there any sugar or cholesterol in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data shows no specific values for sugar or cholesterol for this dish.