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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Arroz con Gandules (Pigeon Peas Rice)

Arroz con Gandules was the first dish my mom ever taught me to cook.  I have been making it since I was 14 years old.  Most people are intimidated by the process, but I can assure you that it's really not that complicated.  I will walk you thru step by step, and you will have the best dish ever. The best pot to use for the rice is a Caldero.  You can find it at any Hispanic store. Here we go!


 
Ingredients:

4 cups of medium size rice (rinsed)
3 cups of water
1 can of pigeon peas
1/4 cup of sliced alcaparrado-capers (optional)
1 can of tomato sauce
5 tbsp of oil
3 tbsp of sofrito (mix of onions, sweet peppers, garlic, cilantro,culantro)
1 Goya chicken bouillon packet
1 culantro and achiote (Goya Sazon packet of coriander and annatto )
1/2 cup diced Kielbasa or Chorizo
salt to taste


In a pot add the pigeon peas, capers, tomato sauce, oil, sofrito, chicken bouillon, culantro and achiote envelope and Kielbasa or Chorizo.  The Kielbasa or Chorizo will give the rice a great flavor. Cook this for about 5 minutes on medium heat.  Then add the rice, the water and salt.

Continue to cook on medium heat with the lid on, but not all the way..leaving a space for some of the steam to come out for about 5 minutes or until all of the water has evaporated. Stir the rice and set to simmer. Cover the pot completely and cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring it after 15 minutes.  I usually let the rice on simmer for about an hour, while I'm cooking other things. Enjoy with your favorite meat.

Tips: You can substitute the Pigeon Peas (Gandules) for red beans, pink beans, garbanzos or any bean of your preference.  If cooking long grain rice add and extra 1/2 cup of water


6 comments:

  1. Looks good, glad I am having some today

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  2. Thank you so much. My best friend has been trying to teach me for over 20yrs. I have the correct rice pot and everything. Just can't seem to make it taste as good as she cooks.

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    Replies
    1. Once you learn how to make it, you can substitute for beans or garbanzos. It's really easy. Good luck and let me know how it comes out.

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  3. I love this site. All the recipes are easy and delicious!

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  4. I love this site. All the recipes are easy and delicious!

    ReplyDelete