Rice and Gandules

The heart of Puerto Rican cooking. Arroz con gandules is a flavorful, savory rice dish that brings comfort, culture, and tradition to every plate. It’s a must-have at family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners made with love and bold island flavors.

🌾 What it’s made of

This dish is rich in flavor thanks to:

• Long-grain white rice

• Gandules (pigeon peas)

• Sofrito (a blend of garlic, peppers, onions, and herbs)

• Tomato sauce

• Achiote oil (for color and flavor)

• Seasonings & spices

• Often cooked with pork for extra flavor

🍳 How it’s made

The sofrito is sautéed first to build a deep, aromatic base, then mixed with gandules, tomato sauce, and seasonings. The rice is added and simmered together until everything is perfectly cooked. It’s then steamed to create that signature fluffy texture with rich flavor in every bite.

🍽️ Ways to enjoy it

Arroz con gandules is delicious on its own, but even better when paired with:

• Pernil (roasted pork)

• Pollo guisado (stewed chicken)

• Pasteles or tamales

• A fresh side salad or avocado

Whether it’s your first time trying it or it reminds you of home, this dish is full of tradition, flavor, and that authentic Puerto Rican touch.