Rice with Pigeon Peas and Pork Spareribs (Arroz con Gandules y Costillitas de Cerdo)

pork spareribs

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs are lower in fat, while pork shoulder is more economical.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

Marinate the pork spare ribs in a bowl with 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of light salt. Mix until well blended and coat the ribs entirely. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Remove the marinated ribs from the refrigerator and let them stand at room temperature for at least 5 minutes.

Add the ribs to a stainless steel caldero and sear over high heat to get a rich brown crust on the surface of the pork spare ribs, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the seared ribs from the caldero and set aside.

In the same caldero, add 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, 3 bricks of chopped cilantro, 8 chopped pimento stuffed green olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, 2-3 tablespoons of sofrito, and 2 seasoning envelopes with coriander and annatto. Stir until well blended and coat the ribs with the sauce.

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes.

Add 1 can (15 oz) of pigeon peas with liquid and 3 cups of water. Stir and bring the liquid to a boil.

Once boiling, add 3 cups of long grain white rice, stir well, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

After 15 minutes, gently turn the rice by inserting a spoon to the bottom and bringing the bottom rice to the top. Repeat until the rice is completely turned.

Cover with a plantain leaf (optional) and cook over low heat for 20-30 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Check the rice after 30 minutes; it should be fluffy and the pork spare ribs thoroughly cooked.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: