Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of white rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 can of gandules (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir until well combined.
4. Add the rice to the pot and stir until the rice is coated with the vegetable mixture.
5. Add the water and gandules to the pot and stir until well combined.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
7. Simmer the rice for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a wooden spoon and sprinkle the bacon on top.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking bacon and vegetables, low heat for simmering rice.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- You can use red or yellow bell pepper instead of green bell pepper.
- You can use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.
Variations:
- Add diced ham or chorizo for a meatier version.
- Add diced carrots and celery for a vegetable-packed version.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more tomatoey version.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the rice to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Let the rice sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the rice in a large bowl or on a platter with the bacon sprinkled on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with grilled chicken or pork chops.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a splash of water and stir until well combined.
- If the rice is too wet, remove the lid and let it cook for a few more minutes until the liquid has been absorbed.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the rice to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Arroz con gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is typically served during the holidays and special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory, smoky, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the rice as a main dish or as a side dish to your favorite protein.
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Region: Puerto Rican