4.9 from 48 votes
Arroz con Gandules
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.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 304 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
South American
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium grain white rice rinced
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp sazón 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 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp 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.)
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- 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.
- How do I make the sazón seasoning in this dish without MSG? Combine 1 Tbsp 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.
Nutrition Information
Calories
304kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
53g
(18%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
6g
(9%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
6mg
(2%)
Sodium
167mg
(7%)
Potassium
352mg
(10%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
93IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
44mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 304
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 304kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 167mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 352mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 93IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.