Arroz Con Gandules Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide

Arroz con gandules is a beloved Puerto Rican classic, known for its vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Traditionally made with pork or other meats, this dish centers around rice and pigeon peas cooked together with sofrito, olives, capers, and a touch of sazón seasoning.

But what if you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still packs all the authentic flavor? This vegetarian arroz con gandules recipe is just what you need!

It’s hearty, aromatic, and bursting with Caribbean spices—all without any meat. Whether you’re a veggie lover or simply want to try a meat-free version, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory and satisfying.

Plus, it’s great for meal prep and serves wonderfully for family dinners or festive gatherings.

In this post, I’ll guide you through each step to make a flavorful arroz con gandules that stays true to its roots while being completely vegetarian-friendly. Ready to embark on this culinary journey?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian arroz con gandules recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy an iconic Puerto Rican dish without compromising on taste or tradition. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:

• Authentic flavor: We use classic seasonings like sofrito, olives, and capers to achieve the unmistakable taste of arroz con gandules.
• Meat-free and nutritious: Packed with protein from pigeon peas and enriched with veggies, this recipe offers a wholesome meal that satisfies vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare this dish even if you’re new to Puerto Rican cooking.
• Versatile: It’s perfect as a main dish or a side, and you can customize it with additional vegetables or spices based on your preference.

Ingredients

• 2 cups medium-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) gandules (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon sazón seasoning (with annatto for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice and peas)
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving dish or bowl

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
2. Sauté the base: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Add sofrito and tomato sauce: Stir in the sofrito and tomato sauce. Let this mixture cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Season and add olives & capers: Sprinkle in the sazón, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Then add the sliced olives and capers. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Add gandules: Pour in the drained and rinsed pigeon peas. Stir gently to incorporate them with the sauce and vegetables.
6. Add rice and broth: Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir until all grains are coated in the sauce. Then pour in the vegetable broth, stirring once more. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly with a lid. Let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
8. Let it rest: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes. This allows the grains to firm up and any remaining moisture to be absorbed.
9. Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you can find annatto oil, use it instead of olive oil for sautéing to get that beautiful reddish color traditional to arroz con gandules.

• Make it vegan: Be sure to use vegetable broth and avoid any animal-based seasonings.
• Add vegetables: Mix in diced carrots, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Use brown rice: For a healthier twist, substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time and broth accordingly.
• Homemade sofrito: For the freshest flavor, try making your own sofrito with green peppers, cilantro, onions, garlic, and culantro.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a mild chili powder for a subtle smoky heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Arroz con gandules is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and complements a variety of meals. Here are some ideas to serve alongside your vegetarian arroz con gandules:

• Fried plantains (tostones or maduros): Their sweet and savory notes balance the rice perfectly.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and freshness.
• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with lime vinaigrette can lighten up the meal.
• Vegetarian mofongo: For a complete Puerto Rican feast, try pairing it with mofongo.
• Black bean soup: Hearty and flavorful, it complements the rice well.

For more delightful side ideas, check out my Half Runner Beans Recipe and Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegetarian arroz con gandules recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a Puerto Rican staple while keeping things plant-based. The combination of tender rice, flavorful pigeon peas, and aromatic sofrito creates a truly comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply craving a taste of the Caribbean, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices or add your favorite vegetables to personalize it further. And if you love exploring recipes that bring culture and flavor to your kitchen, you might also enjoy my Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the sweet treat of my Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Happy cooking!

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