Homemade Island Flavors: Authentic Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules Tutorial

Homemade Island Flavors: Authentic Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules Tutorial

Experience the vibrant and rich flavors of Puerto Rico with this classic recipe for Arroz con Gandules. This traditional dish is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into the colorful world of Puerto Rican flavors!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of medium-grain rice
• 1 can (15 oz) of gandules (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup of sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup of tomato sauce
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 1 packet of sazón seasoning with achiote
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3-4 slices of cooked ham, diced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large caldero (or heavy-bottomed pot), heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sofrito and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, sazón seasoning, and diced ham (if using).
4. Add the drained gandules and rice, stirring to coat the grains with the sofrito mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork, cover, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips:

• For added flavor, you can sauté some diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic along with the sofrito.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding cooked chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Duration:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Serving Size:

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information:

Calories per serving: 300 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 3g

Difficulty Level:

Medium

Tags:

Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Puerto Rican Cuisine

Keywords:

Puerto Rican, Arroz con Gandules, Sofrito, Sazón, Traditional, Authentic, Pigeon Peas, Rice, Cooking, Recipe, Flavorful, Homemade, Island Flavors, Nutritious, Culinary Adventure, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian