ARROZ CON GANDULES

Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas | Easy Flavor-Packed Side Dish

Looking for a classic Puerto Rican side dish that pairs well with everything? This Arroz con Gandules (rice with pigeon peas) is a staple in Caribbean kitchens—fragrant, savory, and the perfect companion to any meal. Made with homemade sofrito, sazón, and olive oil, it’s the ultimate comfort food passed down from my mom—and now from us to you.

🥬INGREDIENTS

Rice & Legumes:

• 4 cups white long-grain rice

• 2 (15 oz) cans green pigeon peas (gandules), undrained

Base Flavors:

• 3–4 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ cup homemade sofrito (check out the recipe here)

• 4 packets Sazón

• 1–2 tsp salt (or to taste)

Optional Additions:

• Water (4–5 cups depending on your rice cooker or stovetop)

• Avocado slices for serving

🔥INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sauté the Base:

In an Instant Pot (or large pot), heat olive oil on sauté mode. Add sofrito and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant and the frozen bits melt down if using frozen.

2. Rinse the Rice:

While the sofrito cooks, rinse the rice thoroughly in a strainer until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and prevents sticky rice.

3. Combine Ingredients:

Turn off sauté mode and add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir to combine with sofrito. Add the two cans of pigeon peas—liquid and all—then sprinkle in the Sazón packets. Stir well.

4. Add Water & Salt:

Add enough water to match your rice-to-liquid ratio (about 1:1 if using Instant Pot). Add salt to taste.

5. Cook the Rice:

Seal the lid and press the “Rice” button on your Instant Pot. If using a stovetop method, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is fluffy and fully cooked (~25 minutes).

6. Fluff & Serve:

Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Serve warm with your favorite protein or simply with avocado slices for a satisfying meal.

🧠PRO TIPS

• Use frozen sofrito? Thaw it in warm water for easier use.

• For stovetop cooking, use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio and monitor closely.

• Want extra flavor? Add a splash of chicken broth instead of plain water.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• With Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)

• Alongside pork, grilled meats, or beans

• On its own with sliced avocado

🔎ESTIMATED MACROS

For Entire Recipe:

• Calories: ~1,800–2,000 kcal

• Protein: ~40g

• Carbohydrates: ~360g

• Fat: ~45g

Estimated Yield: 6–8 servings

Per Serving

• Calories: ~220

• Protein: ~5g

• Carbohydrates: ~38g

• Fat: ~5g