Easy Arroz con Gandules

Cilantro and other ingredients are whirred in the blender to create a seasoning base called soffrito used in this Latin rice and pigeon pea - gandulas - dish. Tomato sauce and soffrito impart a lovely flavor to the rice that is then cooked with the peas.

• Calories: 237 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups boiling water
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 (.25 ounce) package Spanish seasoning
• 3 cups uncooked brown rice
• 2 (15 ounce) cans pigeon peas, drained

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place green peppers, onion, garlic and cilantro in a blender or food processor, puree. This mixture is called soffrito, it is your seasoning base. It can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 6 months.

Step 2

Place 3 tablespoons olive oil and 6 tablespoons soffrito in an 8 quart saucepan. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes to release oils.

Step 3

Pour one can of tomato sauce and the Spanish seasoning packet into the saucepan, mix well. Add 3 cups rice to the mixture and stir until the rice is coated.

Step 4

Stir pigeon peas into the mixture and add boiling water. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and a pot lid. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 45 minutes or until rice is tender.