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How to Make Pernil & Arroz con Gandules: Puerto Rican Grandma's Recipe

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Cooking with Granny
Cooking with Granny
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Pernil, a staple of Dominican cuisine, is often served at festive gatherings and family celebrations. This slow-roasted pork shoulder is marinated with a blend of spices and citrus, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish that embodies the warmth of Dominican hospitality. While traditionally made with pork, variations using chicken or turkey are also popular, reflecting the dish's adaptability and widespread appeal.

Ingredients

  • pork shoulder
  • garlic
  • oregano
  • cumin
  • salt
  • pepper
  • olive oil
  • lime juice
  • onion
  • bay leaves
  • thyme
  • vinegar
  • orange juice
  • paprika
  • cilantro
  • adobo seasoning

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. 2Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
  3. 3Blend garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, olive oil, lime juice, and vinegar to create a marinade.
  4. 4Rub the marinade all over the pork, ensuring it gets into all crevices.
  5. 5Place the pork in a roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
  6. 6Roast the pork for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
  7. 7Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
  8. 8Baste the pork with its juices every hour for added flavor.
  9. 9Let the pork rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
  10. 10Serve with rice, beans, and fried plantains.

Ingredient Alternatives

pork shoulder

Healthier: turkey breast

Cheaper: pork loin

Turkey is leaner and pork loin is less expensive.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

orange juice

Healthier: fresh grapefruit juice

Cheaper: canned orange juice

Grapefruit juice is lower in sugar, while canned juice is more affordable.

adobo seasoning

Healthier: homemade spice blend

Cheaper: individual spices

Homemade blends can be healthier and using individual spices can save money.

Techniques

marinatingroasting

Equipment

roasting panblenderaluminum foilmeat thermometer
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Also Known As

Lechon AsadoRoast Pork Shoulder

Arroz Con Gandules is a cherished dish in Puerto Rican cuisine, often served during festive occasions and family gatherings. This dish reflects the island's agricultural heritage, showcasing pigeon peas, a staple crop, alongside rice and vibrant seasonings. Its rich flavors and comforting nature make it a beloved meal, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with variations found across the Caribbean.

Ingredients

  • long-grain rice
  • gandules (pigeon peas)
  • sofrito
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • onion
  • bell pepper
  • cumin
  • bay leaves
  • chicken broth
  • sazon seasoning
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • green olives
  • pimento
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in the sofrito and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. 4Add the gandules, cumin, bay leaves, and sazon seasoning; mix well.
  5. 5Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  6. 6Add the rice, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.
  7. 7Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.
  8. 8Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  9. 9Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in green olives and pimento.
  10. 10Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

gandules (pigeon peas)

Healthier: edamame

Cheaper: canned chickpeas

Edamame offers a similar texture with fewer calories.

sofrito

Healthier: homemade vegetable mix

Cheaper: store-bought seasoning

A homemade mix can reduce sodium and preservatives.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth can be lower in calories and cost.

Techniques

sautéingsimmering

Equipment

large potwooden spoonmeasuring cupsknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Rice with Pigeon Peas

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