How to Make Gandule Rice - A Step-by-Step Guide

Gandule rice, also known as arroz con gandules, is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is a staple in many Caribbean households. This flavorful and aromatic rice dish is made with pigeon peas, a popular legume in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. It is often served as a side dish to accompany meats, seafood, or as a main dish on its own. Gandule rice is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and protein, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons achiote (annatto) seeds
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pigeon peas, drained
  • 15 ounces black olives, pitted and halved
  • 8 cups uncooked calrose rice, rinsed
  • 9 cups water

Information

  • Servings: 20
  • Yield: 20 servings

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add pork and brown in oil. Meanwhile, place remaining oil in a small saucepan over medium heat and add achiote seeds. Heat until oil becomes very dark orange/red. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • To the browned pork add the onion, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook to reduce veggies, then add the tomato sauce, pigeon peas and olives. Mix well. Strain achiote/oil mixture into pork mixture and stir together. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add uncooked rice and water to pork mixture; stir well. Raise temperature to high, cover saucepan and bring all to a boil. Stir again, reduce heat to low and cover; let cook on low about 10 minutes. Remove cover, stir again, replace cover and cook another 10 minutes; stir again. Remove from heat and allow to stand 15 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    615 cal.

    • Total Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 48mg
    • Sodium: 1112mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 72g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 19g
    • Vitamin C: 6mg
    • Calcium: 44mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 427mg