Arroz Con Gandules (Rice With Pigeon Peas)


    Traditionally made for Christmas, we enjoy this flavorful rice whenever we have an excuse. This rice is typically made with sofrito, the most important ingredient in the Puerto Rican Kitchen. Since having left my country many years ago I always look for ways to bring Puerto Rican flavor to my table. If you are not able to find the ingredients for sofrito you can still enjoy this flavorful rice. The ingredients for the sofrito in this version are very easy to find at your local supermarket.




Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 pound pork meat, large cubes

For the sofrito:
1/2 cup onion, small dice
1 red bell pepper, small dice
1/4 cup green pepper, small dice
1/4 cup celery, small dice
1/4 cup carrots, small dice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped  
1 large clove of garlic, minced

 1-12 oz. can unsalted tomato sauce
1/3 cup green olives
1-16 ounces can pigeon peas, drain  
2 cups long grain rice
3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium pot over high heat, add the oil and pork. Sprinkle the pork with a pinch of black pepper and cook until sealed all sides. Using slotted spoon remove the pork from the pan and set aside in separated bowl.

     Lower the heat to medium, add the onion and cook until transparent. Add the red pepper, green peppers, carrots and celery and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the cilantro and garlic and cook just until fragrant for 30   seconds.  


     Add the pork and mix well. 

     Add the tomato sauce, green olives, ground black pepper and cook for 2 minutes. 

     Stir in the rice and cook for about 2 minutes stirring constantly. 

     Pour in the chicken broth and mix well. Add the salt to taste if needed.

   Bring to a boil over a medium high heat.  Once it is boiling lower heat to medium and let the water reduce until it is 1 inch over the rice. Lower the heat to low and cover the pot.  Cook for about 20 minutes or until tender. 
Note:

    Stove temperatures are different, adjust the heat depending on the equipment you have. To keep rice from burning made sure to cook it at a lower temperature. 

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