Arroz con Gandules Hondureño
A flavorful rice dish featuring pigeon peas (gandules), seasoned with aromatic spices and often enriched with pork or other meats. While popular across the Caribbean, this Honduran version offers its own distinct charm.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain rice(rinsed)
- 2 cups Water
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth
- 1 can (15.5 oz) Pigeon peas (gandules)(drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 medium Onion(diced)
- 3 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1/4 cup Bacon(diced (optional))
- 1 packet Sazón Goya with achiote
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using bacon, cook it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot. If not using bacon, heat olive oil in the pot.
- 2
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the drained and rinsed pigeon peas and the Sazón packet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the peas.
- 4
Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.
- 5
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- 6
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the cooked bacon (if using), and garnish with fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the rice is crucial for fluffy, separated grains.
- ✓Don't lift the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure even steaming.
- ✓For a crispy bottom layer (pegao), you can increase the heat slightly in the last few minutes of cooking, being careful not to burn it.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced ham or pork shoulder for a meatier dish.
- Include diced pimento peppers or olives for added flavor.
- Make it vegan by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.