How do you cook Puerto Rican rice?

How to Cook Puerto Rican Rice (Arroz con Gandules)

This recipe is for the classic Puerto Rican rice dish, Arroz con Gandules, featuring pigeon peas.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup dry white rice (like long grain or medium grain)

* 1 cup pigeon peas (also known as gandules), soaked overnight or for at least 4 hours

* 1 large onion, chopped

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 green bell pepper, chopped

* 1 red bell pepper, chopped

* 1/2 cup olive oil

* 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin)

* 1/2 cup sofrito (you can find this pre-made or make your own, see note below)

* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

* 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

* 1/4 cup capers (optional)

* 1/2 cup pork or bacon fat (optional)

Equipment:

* Large pot with a lid

* Measuring cups and spoons

* Chopping board

* Knife

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, green pepper, and red pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.

3. Add the sofrito: Add the sofrito to the pot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Add the remaining ingredients: Add the rice, pigeon peas, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, adobo seasoning, and capers (if using). Stir well to combine.

5. Bring to a boil, then simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Rest and fluff: Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand covered for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips:

* Sofrito: This is a key ingredient in Puerto Rican cuisine and adds a deep, rich flavor to the rice. You can find pre-made sofrito at most Hispanic grocery stores. To make your own, sauté a mixture of onions, garlic, green bell peppers, cilantro, and red bell peppers in olive oil.

* Pigeon peas: If you can't find pigeon peas, you can substitute with black-eyed peas or even green beans.

* Flavor variations: Feel free to add other ingredients to your arroz con gandules, like chorizo, ham, or even some fresh cilantro.

* Don't overcook: It's important to avoid overcooking the rice, as it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and remove from the heat when the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Enjoy your delicious Puerto Rican rice!