Discover the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico with our Arroz con Gandules recipe(Puerto Rican Rice and Pigeon Peas) you can cooking it at home in 45 mins only .

This savory rice dish, seasoned with sofrito and cooked with tender pork, brings the vibrant taste of pigeon peas to your table. Perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.

Ingredients:

  - 2 cups long-grain rice

  - 1 can (15 ounces) gandules (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed

  - 1/2 pound pork shoulder, diced

  - 1/4 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)

  - 2 tablespoons olive oil

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 packet sazón with annatto

  - 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  - 1/4 cup tomato sauce

  - 4 cups chicken broth or water

  - 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced

  - 1 bay leaf

  - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Pork:

1-In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2-Add the diced pork shoulder and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté Aromatics:Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Seasonings and Sofrito:Stir in the sofrito, sazón, adobo seasoning, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Incorporate Rice and Tomato Sauce:

1-Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat it with the seasoned mixture.

2-Pour in the tomato sauce and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the flavors.

Add Liquid and Gandules:

1-Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil.

2-Stir in the gandules (pigeon peas), olives, and bay leaf.

Simmer:Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Final Seasoning:

1-Remove the bay leaf.

2-Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

1-Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

2-Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

1-For extra flavor, use homemade sofrito and fresh pigeon peas if available.

2-Adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more spices if you prefer a bolder flavor.

3-Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules!

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Recipe Serves 6)

Rice (2 cups, long-grain)

  - Calories: 480

  - Carbohydrates: 104g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits :

  - Carbohydrates: Provides a good source of energy, essential for daily activities and maintaining bodily functions.

  - Protein: Supports muscle repair and growth.

  - Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

Gandules (1 can, 15 ounces)

  - Calories: 360

  - Carbohydrates: 60g

  - Protein: 24g

  - Fat: 2g

  - Fiber: 24g

Benefits :

  - Protein: Essential for muscle building and repair, and vital for enzyme and hormone production.

  - Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in folate, iron, and magnesium, which are important for red blood cell production and overall energy.

Pork Shoulder (1/2 pound)

  - Calories: 480

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 32g

  - Fat: 38g

  - Fiber: 0g

Benefits :

  - Protein: High-quality protein source necessary for muscle maintenance and repair.

  - B Vitamins: Particularly B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B6, and B12, which are crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system health.

  - Zinc: Important for immune function and wound healing.

Sofrito (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 20

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Fiber: 0.5g

Benefits :

  - Antioxidants: Ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and garlic are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.

  - Vitamins: High in vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin health.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 240

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 28g

  - Fiber: 0g

Benefits :

  - Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

  - Antioxidants: Contains vitamin E and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion (1 small)

  - Calories: 28

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits :

  - Antioxidants: High in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation.

  - Vitamins: Provides vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health.

Bell Pepper (1 small)

  - Calories: 20

  - Carbohydrates: 5g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 2g

Benefits :

  - Vitamin C: Very high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

  - Fiber: Supports digestive health.

Garlic (2 cloves)

  - Calories: 9

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0.1g

Benefits :

  - Allicin: Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

  - Nutrients: Provides manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium, all of which contribute to overall health.

Sazón with Annatto (1 packet)

  - Calories: 5

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

Benefits :

  - Flavor Enhancement: Adds flavor without significant calories, fats, or sugars.

  - Antioxidants: Annatto is rich in antioxidants which support cellular health.

Adobo Seasoning (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 5

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

Benefits :

  - Flavor Enhancement: Provides robust flavor, allowing for reduced need for salt, which can help manage sodium intake.

Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Fiber: 0.2g

Benefits :

  - Iron: Good source of iron, necessary for blood health.

  - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help with digestion and immune function.

Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 3

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Fiber: 0.4g

Benefits :

  - Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Tomato Sauce (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 20

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits :

  - Lycopene: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

  - Vitamins: Provides vitamins A and C for immune health and skin health.

Chicken Broth (4 cups)

  - Calories: 40

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Fiber: 0g

Benefits :

  - Hydration: Helps keep the body hydrated.

  - Minerals: Contains essential minerals like potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Green Olives (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 33

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Fat: 3g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits :

  - Healthy Fats: Contains monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

  - Antioxidants: High in antioxidants like vitamin E.

Bay Leaf (1)

  - Negligible values

Benefits :

  - Aromatics: Adds flavor and aromatic benefits without adding calories or fat.

Total Nutritional Values (Approximate Per Serving):

• Calories: 291
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 4.8g

These values are approximate and can vary based on exact measurements, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods. For more precise nutritional information, it’s best to use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities you use.