Arroz Con Gandules Vegan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory Puerto Rican rice dish with coconut milk and pigeon peas, infused with smoky paprika and lime zest. This puerto rican-inspired vegan ready in about 60 minutes pairs brown rice, gandules (pigeon peas), coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup soaked gandules, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until gandules are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lime zest and season with salt. Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Arroz Con Gandules Vegan take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Arroz Con Gandules Vegan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Arroz Con Gandules Vegan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Arroz Con Gandules Vegan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Arroz Con Gandules Vegan vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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