Raíces-Style Arroz con Gandules

This fresh arroz con gandules uses whole-food, organic, and non-GMO ingredients for a healthier twist on the classic Puerto Rican side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic brown rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups organic pigeon peas (gandules), cooked, or canned, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon annatto (achiote) powder or sweet paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 1/2 cups organic chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant — this is the sofrito base.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, annatto, and bay leaf; cook 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the rinsed rice and stir for a minute to coat the grains in the seasoned oil.
  4. Pour in the broth, add the pigeon peas, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not stir while it cooks.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and fluff with a fork.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm as a side dish.

FAQ

Is this Raíces-Style Arroz con Gandules gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe does not include any gluten-containing ingredients and is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Can I use regular rice instead of brown rice?

While you can use regular white rice, using organic brown rice provides additional whole-grain benefits without the use of refined grains.

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