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.