Brown Rice and Black-Eyed Peas (Gandules)

Rice with pigeon peas is extremely popular in Puerto Rico, as well as other countries in the Caribbean and northern South America. Many times it is served on special occasions, such as Christmas and other parties. This healthier version is prepared with brown rice and is 100% vegan, so it contains more fiber and less fat than traditional version.

¼ cup Sofrito Boricua Sauce

2 cups long-grain brown rice, uncooked

2 ½ cups black-eyed peas (gandules)

1 onion, finely diced

¼ cup cilantro, chopped

2 chives, chopped

1 big red bell peppers, sliced

1 medium tomato, diced

4 cloves garlic

1 tsp achiote powder

½ cup vegetable broth

2 tbsp capers

4 cups boiling water

salt to taste

plantain leaf (optional)

Sauté the onion in vegetable broth (add more broth when dry).

When the onion is translucent, add cilantro, chives, garlic, sweet red pepper, the sauté, achiote and capers.

Stir well. Add tomato and pigeon peas (gandules) and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the rice and sauté until the rice absorbs all the broth.

Add 4 cups of boiling water, salt and stir well. When it starts boiling, cover it and lower the flame over low heat. Cook for 45 minutes.

Optionally, at 30 minutes of cooking, put a plantain leaf on the rice and cover again, allowing it to cook for the last 15 minutes. Do not stir the rice.

After 45 minutes, turnoff the heat and allow the rice to stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

15 servings

Serving size

¾ cup

Amount per serving
Calories353

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.8g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 120mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 85.6g32%
Dietary Fiber 29.4g105%
Total Sugars 3.7g
Protein 27.6g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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Brown Rice and Black-Eyed Peas (Gandules)