Looking to elevate your next meal? Discover gandules recipes! If you've never tasted arroz con gandules, you're in for a treat. I still remember the first time I tried making this dish; my kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of perfectly seasoned rice and pigeon peas. 

The rich, savory flavors of this classic Puerto Rican dish quickly turned a simple dinner into a memorable feast. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, these recipes bring out the best in gandules, making every bite a delightful experience. Trust me, once you try this dish, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! 🍚🌿

P/s: Looking to experience the heart of Venezuelan cuisine? Don’t miss this Pan Con Jamon!

Why is it Called Arroz con Gandules?

The name arroz con gandules literally translates to “rice with pigeon peas” in English. But why pigeon peas? The gandules in english, are pigeon peas, it is a staple in Puerto Rican cooking due to their rich flavor and texture. These legumes are a key part of the island’s agricultural history and thrive in its tropical climate. Over time, rice and pigeon peas became a classic combination, symbolizing comfort and tradition in Puerto Rican cuisine. The dish is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and special events, making it more than just a meal—it's a cultural emblem. Gandules grill​ perfectly with rice, absorbing the seasonings and giving the dish its signature earthy taste.

Ingredients Used to Make Arroz con Gandules

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 cup canned pigeon peas (gandules), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sofrito (a blend of tomatoes, onions, and peppers)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Arroz con Gandules

1. Prepare the Base: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Flavors: Stir in the sofrito, tomato sauce, oregano, cumin, paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat it with the tomato mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the pigeon peas. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Finish and Serve: If using, stir in the sliced olives. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

There you have it—classic arroz con gandules that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion! This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich taste of gandules and brings a touch of Puerto Rican flair to your table. Enjoy every bite and share the love with friends and family. Once you make this, you’ll definitely want to keep it in your recipe rotation!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Side Dishes for Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con gandules is a flavorful Puerto Rican rice dish featuring pigeon peas and spices. To enhance this delicious meal, consider these complementary side dishes that bring out its vibrant flavors.

• Tostones (Fried Green Plantains): Tostones are a classic Caribbean side dish that perfectly complements the savory flavors of Arroz con Gandules. These twice-fried green plantains are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a delightful texture contrast.

• Avocado Salad: An avocado salad brings a refreshing and creamy element to your meal, balancing the heartiness of Arroz con Gandules. Typically made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and a light dressing of lime juice, this salad adds brightness and a cooling effect.

Picadillo: Picadillo is a savory ground beef dish that adds a robust flavor profile to the meal. Often cooked with olives, raisins, and spices, it provides a sweet and salty contrast that complements the rice's earthy taste.

Quick Cooking Recipe

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Inactive Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish

Yield: 4 servings

Discover So Damn Delish’s best gandules recipe! Enjoy classic arroz con gandules and other flavorful dishes that highlight the rich taste of pigeon peas.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 cup canned pigeon peas (gandules), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sofrito (a blend of tomatoes, onions, and peppers)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
2. Add sofrito, tomato sauce, and spices; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and pigeon peas; bring to a boil.
5. Simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender.
6. Stir in olives if using, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• For extra flavor, use homemade sofrito.

If you loved this flavorful gandules recipe, be sure to explore more delicious dishes at So Damn Delish. From vibrant, Caribbean-inspired meals to everyday favorites, our collection offers something for every palate.

Classic Arroz con Gandules: A Flavorful Puerto Rican Delight

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Discover So Damn Delish’s best gandules recipe! From classic arroz con gandules to flavorful side dishes, these recipes bring out the rich taste of pigeon peas.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 cup canned pigeon peas (gandules), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sofrito (a blend of tomatoes, onions, and peppers)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oil and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
2. Add sofrito, tomato sauce, and spices; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and pigeon peas; bring to a boil.
5. Simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender.
6. Stir in olives if using, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• For extra flavor, use homemade sofrito.

• Author: SoDamnDelish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Inactive Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Ethnic
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Nutrition

• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 10mg