Simple Rice with Pigeon Peas - Arroz con Gandules

pigeon peas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned peas

Lentils are high in protein and cheaper than fresh pigeon peas.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is more economical.

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey ham

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey ham is leaner, while smoked sausage is often less expensive.

long-grain rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice offers more fiber, while white rice is generally cheaper.

Welcome to the channel and introduction to the recipe.

Prepare ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons Amaro oil, 3 tablespoons homemade sofrito, 1 big heaping tablespoon garlic cilantro paste, 1/2 cup chopped red and green peppers, 1/2 cup chopped stuffed olives, 1/2 can tomato sauce, 2.5 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 pack of Go Lea culantro seasoning, 1 (16-ounce) can gandules, 1.5 cups ham steak cut into chunks, 3 cups rice, and 4 cups water.

Heat Amaro oil in a large pot until warm.

Add garlic cilantro paste and ham to the pot and sauté.

Add chopped peppers and olives to the pot and stir.

Pour in tomato sauce and stir well to combine.

Add water and stir everything together.

Add salt, black pepper, and culantro seasoning, stirring to combine.

Add gandules and stir well to incorporate.

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Optional: Add fresh cilantro on top before lowering the heat.

Cover the pot and reduce heat; check after 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, stir the rice from the bottom to the top.

Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

Serve the finished arroz con gandules.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: