Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny streets of Puerto Rico with this mouthwatering vegan twist on a classic Caribbean dish! Arroz Con Gandules is more than just a recipe - it's a celebration of bold flavors, rich cultural heritage, and plant-based creativity that will make your dinner table come alive with excitement. Whether you're a seasoned vegan cook or just looking to explore new culinary horizons, this recipe promises to deliver a punch of authentic Puerto Rican taste that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can gandules (pigeon peas)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sofrito
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 1 cup of long-grain rice, 1 can of gandules (pigeon peas), 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of sofrito, and 2 cups of vegetable broth.
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy during cooking. Drain the rice and set it aside.
- In a medium to large pot, heat a splash of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the 1/4 cup of sofrito and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Next, add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the rice with the sofrito mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth and add the can of gandules (drained and rinsed). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as this will allow steam to escape.
- After 20-25 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and the liquid should be absorbed. If there is still liquid remaining, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and helps to fluff it up.
- After resting, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Serve the Vegan Arroz Con Gandules warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always thoroughly rinse your rice to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and perfectly cooked.
- Sofrito Magic: Use high-quality, authentic sofrito for the most genuine flavor. If homemade isn't an option, look for premium store-bought versions.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a low heat when simmering to prevent burning and ensure even cooking of the rice.
- No Peeking Rule: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking - this traps essential steam and helps create perfectly fluffy rice.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking is crucial for allowing the rice to finish steaming and become light and fluffy.
- Customize Your Garnish: Fresh cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime can add an extra layer of freshness to your dish.
- Make it Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
