Arroz con Gandules — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Once the rice absorbs the liquid, stop stirring and let it sit undisturbed on higher heat to form the pegao, the prized crisp golden crust on the bottom of the pot that every cook fights over.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 6 servings

Medium-grain rice

Holds together and forms the pegao crust.

3 cups

Local / market

Pigeon peas

Gandules are the essential legume; the dish is named for them.

1 can

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Sofrito

Blended recao, pepper, onion, and garlic, the base of Puerto Rican cooking.

1/3 cup

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Achiote oil

Annatto-infused oil gives the rice its golden color.

2 tbsp

Local / market

Tomato sauce

A little for color and body.

1/4 cup

Local / market

Culantro

Recao, the pungent herb in sofrito and pot.

3 leaves

Local / market

Green olives

Alcaparrado adds briny bite.

1/4 cup

Local / market

Salt pork or bacon

A little smoked pork seasons the pot.

2 oz

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryerSheet pan

The Method

Start the baseRender the salt pork in achiote oil, then add sofrito and tomato sauce and cook a few minutes.
Add the peasStir in the drained pigeon peas, olives, culantro, and water and bring to a boil, tasting the liquid for salt.
Add the riceAdd the rice and stir once, then let it boil until the liquid is mostly absorbed and level with the rice.
Form the pegaoCover and cook on low, then near the end raise the heat briefly without stirring to crisp the bottom crust.
Fluff and serveRest 10 min, fluff from the top, and scrape up the golden pegao to serve with roast pork or chicken.

The Toolkit

Caldero · Wooden spoon · Lid

Straight Answers

Can you make Arroz con Gandules in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Arroz con Gandules? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Arroz con Gandules ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Arroz con Gandules gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Arroz con Gandules vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1289

Arroz con Gandules, and where to source it