Vegetarian Guandules Stew

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

Hearty pigeon peas simmered with sweet peppers, tomatoes, and herbs in a rich coconut broth, slow-cooked to deep, comforting flavors. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes pairs pigeon peas, coconut milk, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse 1 can (15 oz) pigeon peas. Finely chop 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1 cup tomato, 1/2 cup onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add 1/2 cup coconut milk, and sauté the chopped vegetables for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 cup chicken broth, and the drained pigeon peas. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until flavors meld and peas are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with plantain slices or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Guandules Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Vegetarian Guandules Stew?

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 pigeon peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Guandules Stew?

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 Vegetarian Guandules Stew 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.

What goes well with Vegetarian Guandules Stew?

Puerto Rican vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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