Arroz con gandules is a beloved dish found in many Puerto Rican homes, enjoyed for various occasions such as parties, picnics, and holidays. We love making it and often serve it alongside pasteles (similar to tamales but wrapped in green banana leaves), pernil (pork shoulder), or spiral ham.

Gandules (Pigeon Peas) can be found fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. I remember being a little girl helping my grandma open the pod and remove the seed. I also remember eating them (laughing) and my grandma calling me “Lygdi that’s not to eat that way” I miss her dearly.

Here’s a simple recipe for Arroz con Gandules. I hope you enjoy making it!

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) of pigeon peas (gandules) or a 14 oz bag of frozen gandules.

2 tablespoon of olive oil

2 tbsp of sofrito

2 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup of white onion, sliced

1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

1 garlic cloves, minced

1 packet of Sazon with color

1 packet of chicken bouillon

2 tbsp tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 of black pepper

1 tsp of adobo

1/2 tsp of salt

1 1/2 cups medium rice

Instructions

If using frozen Gandules (pigeon peas), follow the package instructions before making the rice.

Heat your caldero (rice pot) to medium heat, and add your olive oil, sofrito, onion, and red pepper until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add the tomato sauce, chicken bouillon, sazon, and drained pigeon peas.

Cook for 2 minutes, then add water.  Add the adobo, oregano, salt and pepper. Allow the liquid to come up to a boil, and taste it for salt. If it needs more flavor, add in more salt.

Once the liquid is boiling, add the rice. Stir the rice to get it submerged and distribute the pigeon peas throughout.

Cover and allow the rice to absorb all the liquid. Once most of the liquid is absorbed, stir the rice, and cover again. 

Lower the flame to low, and allow it to steam for 20-25 minutes. It’s done when all the liquid is absorbed and the grains are fluffy and fully cooked.

Optional ingredients: you can add cooked ham, olives, or even shredded pork.

I made the simple easy recipe but you can add any of the optional ingredients for more flavor.

Enjoy