Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas)
Arroz con Gandules is a classic Puerto Rican rice dish featuring pigeon peas, sofrito, and aromatic spices. It's often served as a side dish for holidays and special occasions, but easy enough for any weeknight meal. This vegan version captures all the traditional flavors.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 5 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 362 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 pcsyellow onion, diced
- 0.5 pcsred bell pepper, diced
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 0.5 cuptomato sauce
- 425 gpigeon peas, canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 pcsbay leaf
- 0.5 tspdried oregano
- 0.25 tspcumin
- 2 cuplong grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cupvegetable broth
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 0.25 cupcilantro, fresh, chopped(optional)
Equipment
measuring cups · measuring spoons · large pot · dutch oven · knife · cutting board
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the yellow onion and red bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
- 3
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
- 4
Pour in the tomato sauce, pigeon peas, bay leaf, dried oregano, and cumin. Stir to combine.
About 1 min
- 5
Add the rinsed long grain white rice to the pot and stir to coat all the grains with the sauce.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Rinsing the rice helps prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- 6
Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir gently.
About 1 min
- 7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during this time to allow the rice to steam properly.
- 8
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffier.
- 9
Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the bay leaf, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
About 1 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 361.6kcal
- Protein
- 9.8g
- Carbs
- 67.3g
- Fat
- 6.2g
- Fibre
- 4.8g
- Sugar
- 4.7g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Arroz con Gandules in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipessauce
Sugar-Free Pesto
This vibrant, sugar-free pesto is a fresh and aromatic sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. It's packed with classic Italian flavors from basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
10 min 390 kcaldessert
Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake
A simple, moist loaf cake generously studded with chocolate chips. This recipe uses a straightforward creaming method for a tender crumb, making it a reliable and quick-to-prepare treat for any occasion.
2 hr 15 min 522 kcallunch
Bombay Chicken Salad
A creamy and refreshing chicken salad featuring a mild curry dressing, sweet bursts of mandarin orange and pineapple, and the satisfying crunch of celery and almonds. This American-style potluck classic gets extra flavor from marinating the rice before mixing.
45 min 779 kcaldessert
Khao Tom Mud (Thai Sticky Rice and Banana Parcels)
Khao Tom Mud is a traditional Thai dessert featuring sweet sticky rice and ripe banana, steamed in banana leaves. It's a delightful and naturally vegan treat, perfect for a light dessert or snack.
1 hr 5 min 435 kcalsalad
Turkish Piyaz Salad
This vibrant Turkish Piyaz Salad is a refreshing medley of tender cannellini beans, crisp red onion, and fresh parsley, all brought together by a zesty sumac-lemon dressing. It's a light yet satisfying dish, bursting with bright, herbaceous flavors and delightful textures, perfect as a healthy side or a light main course.
30 min 250 kcalsnack
Spinach and Cheese Gozleme
This traditional Turkish flatbread features a simple, unleavened dough filled with a savory mixture of spinach and cheese. It's cooked on a griddle until golden brown and flaky, perfect for a satisfying snack or light meal. Enjoy it warm, cut into wedges.
1 hr 15 min 493 kcalmain course
Acquacotta
Acquacotta, a rustic Italian peasant soup from Tuscany, transforms humble ingredients into a comforting and deeply flavorful meal. This vegetarian rendition features a rich, herbaceous vegetable broth brimming with tender seasonal vegetables, all served over toasted crusty bread and crowned with a perfectly poached egg.
1 hr 5 min 368 kcal