GANDULES VERDES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add gandules, onion, ají dulce (or bell pepper) and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes. Add 1 cup broth, tomato paste and oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is almost completely evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 3 cups broth, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very tender, about 15 minutes more. Stir in culantro (or cilantro).

Steps:

• To the bowl of a food processor, add the cilantro, culantro, onion, red and green bell peppers and garlic. Pulse until combined. Add the cumin and oregano and pulse a few more times to incorporate. The sofrito should have the consistency of a tapenade.
• Heat ¼ cup of canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the sofrito and fry, stirring constantly, until deepened in color but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the olives, tomato sauce, adobo seasoning, Sazón seasoning, pigeon peas, and water, and stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the rice. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until the liquid is fully evaporated and the rice around the edges of the pot looks dry.
• Stir, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook the rice for another 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy.
• Serve the arroz con gandules warm alongside dishes of your choice.
• Enjoy!