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A photo of arroz con gandules in a bowl with a napkin and serving spoon.

Arroz con Gandules

Analida Braeger
This is a Puerto Rican favorite, present at almost every meal. The earthy taste of gandules (pigeon peas) is combined with bacon, sazón and rice for a perfect side dish.
4.94 from 16 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main dish
Cuisine Latin American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 304 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups medium grain white rice rinced
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 ½ cups chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon sazon Goya brand
  • ⅓ cup recaito
  • 1 onion small, diced
  • ¼ cup bacon thick, diced
  • 15.5 oz gandules 1 can (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a 6 qt pan on medium heat sauté onions and bacon in olive oil for about 5 minutes. Add the gandules and stir quickly for about 3 minutes. Immediately add the sazón, broth, water and rice.
  • Bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium and cover. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. Fluff, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
  • Add salt to taste. (The saltiness of the bacon can vary so I check the salt level at the end.)

Video

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions:
  • How do I make the sazón seasoning in this dish without MSG?  Combine 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt, turmeric, white pepper, ground coriander, ground annato, garlic powder and oregano.  Mix well and store in a sealed jar in a dark place. Use the same amount as you would in other recipes that call for sazón.
  • How long can I store this in the refrigerator? Once it has completely cooled you can store this in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave on medium power until hot but stop and stir every 30 seconds to fluff it up.
  • Can I freeze this dish? Yes, once it has completely cooled you can pack into zip top freezer bags packed flat to save space and expel all the air. This will keep for a month in the freezer. Thaw it completely and microwave is as described above.
  • If I make half the recipe can I store the leftover gandules? Yes, you can freeze the gandules in water for up to 6 months in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw, drain, rinse and use them in the dish.
To make this recipe vegetarian/vegan, simply omit the bacon and chicken stock. Opt for a home-made vegetable stock instead made with some mushrooms to bring out some umami and savory, meat-like flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 167mgPotassium: 352mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 93IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
Keyword arroz, gandules, guandu, Panama, pigeon peas, Puerto Rican, Puerto rican dishes, rice
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