There’s something special about the flavors and aromas of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. One dish that captures the essence of this vibrant culinary culture is Rice with Pigeon Peas. This classic Puerto Rican recipe is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal that will transport you to the sunny shores of the island with every bite. The combination of rice, pigeon peas, and a flavorful sofrito makes this dish a true favorite among locals and visitors alike.
**Rice With Pigeon Peas Puerto Rican Food**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of long-grain white rice
– 1 can (15 oz) of pigeon peas, drained and rinsed
– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tomato, chopped
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 bay leaf
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
**Instructions:**
1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, tomato, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the aromatic mixture. Let the rice toast slightly for about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender.
5. Stir in the drained pigeon peas and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it sit off the heat for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix in the pigeon peas evenly. Discard the bay leaf.
7. Serve the Rice with Pigeon Peas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and accompanied by lime wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.
Enjoy this delicious Rice with Pigeon Peas as a satisfying main course or as a flavorful side dish to accompany your favorite Puerto Rican dishes. The combination of tender pigeon peas, fragrant rice, and aromatic sofrito will surely make this recipe a staple in your kitchen. Experience the taste of Puerto Rico right in your own home with this simple and comforting dish!
