“Arroz con Gandules”

Arroz con Gandules (Photo: July Marrero)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup red onions (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/3 cup sofrito
• Vegetarian bacon bits or 1/3-cup “bacon” tempeh (Optional. Traditionally ham or cooked pork pieces are used)
• 2 cups brown medium grain or white rice
• 4 cups water
• A pinch of saffron instead of the traditional packet of Sazón—I don’t like MSG.
• 12 ounces of fresh Pigeon Peas also known as Gandules; or one (1) 15-ounce can pigeon peas  (drained and rinsed)
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

1. In a 6-quart pot, heat olive oil. Sauté the onions, garlic.

2. Sauté vegetarian “bacon” tempeh and set aside to add to rice at end.

3. Add the rice, water, sazón substitute, sofrito and gandules.

4. Bring to a boil for a few minutes.

5. Stir once. Cover lid and never open lid while cooking. Reduce heat to medium low. It cooks in 30 to 40 minutes.

6. When done, add vegetarian “bacon” (optional). Stir the rice to make it fluffy and serve.

Serves: 4 to 6 people.

Please share your favorite gandules recipes with us.