Angelina’s Food Diaries: Arroz Con Gandules

Angelina Nunez
April 21, 2023

Arroz con Gandules 

As a kid, my mom would make all kinds of Puerto Rican recipes that I would like to share with you. Arroz con Gandules is a staple within my family. At least one relative would bring it to a family gathering. My mom even uses this recipe when making rice on any regular occasion. There are many variants of this recipe, you cannot really go wrong. It’s a delicious dish that is extremely flavorful and fulfilling. It is worth a try at least once. All the unfamiliar ingredients on this list can be found in most Hispanic Foods isles in grocery stores.  

Ingredients:  

  • Cooking oil of choice 
  • Cubed ham 
  • 1 Cup of Sofrito (directions on how to make below) 
  • 2 Tablespoons of Tomato paste 
  • Sazon 
  • Adobo 
  • Cumin 
  • Peppers 
  • Garlic powder 
  • Onion powder 
  • 2 Cans of Gandules/Pigeon Peas mix 
  • 3 ½ Cups of Jasmin rice 
  • 5 Cups of Water 

Steps:  

  • In a pot add your oil of choice and let it heat 
  • Add the cubed ham and let cook until browned 
  • Add your Sofrito and let sit for 1-2 minutes 
  • Add the tomato paste and one packet of Sazon 
  • Add Adobo, Cumin, Peppers, Garlic powder, and Onion powder to your liking 
  • Let marinate in the pot for 1-2 minutes 
  • Add both of Gandules mix and stir 
  • Add the water and let it come to a boil 
  • Add the Jasmin rice 
  • Stir and let water evaporate 
  • Once almost completely evaporated put heat on low and cover with lid 
  • Let cook for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked 
  • Serve and Enjoy 

 

Sofrito Recipe: 5 green peppers, 1 yellow pepper, 1 red pepper, 4-5 yellow onions, 6 heads of garlic, 2 bunches of cilantros, and 5 packs of aji dulce. Clean chop and add to a food processor. Add a drizzle of olive oil and blend. After blended put in containers and freeze.