Gandule rice or arroz con gandule is a popular Puerto Rican dish in Hawai’i. Fluffy rice flavored with pigeon peas, seasoned pork, and a take on sofrito. A delicious meal that can be served as a main dish or side dish.
Every ethnicity has their version of a comfort food rice dish. Here in Hawai’i a popular one is arroz con gandule or what we call gandule rice.
While arroz con gandule is a Puerto Rican dish, it has become a mainstay here in Hawai’i.
The Puerto Ricans immigrated to Hawai’i in the early 1900s after two hurricanes wiped out their sugar plantation. This left the world with a sugar shortage and a boom in the demand for sugar in Hawai’i.
The Puerto Rican people brought with them their culture and delicious cuisine. One of those dishes being arroz con gandule or as we call it gandule rice here in Hawai’i.
White rice cooked in a rich flavored seasoning with vibrant red-orange hues, tender pieces of pork, and juicy olives. One bite and you’ll want to make this over and over again.
Plus, little secret here. You can make this on the stove top, in the oven, in the rice pot, or the Instant Pot. So versatile.
Ingredients for gandule rice
- White rice. I like to use medium grain rice for this since that is what we use at home. You can opt to use another type of rice here if you’d like.
- Achiote oil. Make your own by simply boiling achiote (annatto) seeds in the oil of your choice.
- Bacon. I like to use hickory smoked here to give the rice a nice smoky touch.
- Pork tenderloin. This cut of pork is well, so tender. You can use any other cut of pork as well.
- Garlic. Be sure to dice it up finely.
- Green bell pepper. Red, yellow, or orange can be used as well.
- Cilantro. A key to part of the flavor of this dish. I’d recommend not leaving this one out.
- Green onion. Chives can be used as well.
- Chicken broth. Beef or vegetable stock can be used here. I would not recommend water. While it will work it lacks the flavor that the other liquids have.
- Sazon Goya. You can usually find this in the ethnic aisle in most grocery stores.
- Tomato sauce. If you only have tomato paste add a little more water to water it down.
- Gandules verdes. Also known as pigeon peas or gandule beans. Find this in the canned goods aisle next to the beans.
- Olives. I like to get then pitted, but if you really want to you can pit them yourself.
Methods to cook gandule rice
- Instant Pot. This is my favorite way. Set it and forget it. This recipe will fit in a 6 or 8 quart pot. Large enough to make a big batch to share with your family and friends.
- Rice pot. Another favorite of mine. Also a set it and forget it way to make it. Make sure you have a large enough rice pot to do so. This recipe will need at least a 10 cup rice pot.
- Stovetop. This is the more traditional way to do it. Be sure to use a heavy bottom pot or dutch oven to ensure even cooking.
- Oven. Similar to stove top. Be sure to use a heavy bottom pan to ensure even baking.
What does arroz con gandules mean?
Arroz con gandules is a Spanish phrase meaning rice with pigeon peas.
Can you make arroz con gandule without sofrito?
Sofrito is a popular flavor addition in many Puerto Rican dishes, arroz con gadule included. There are many variations and while it is not absolutely required it is highly recommended to give it that flavor packed punch.
What to serve with gandule rice?
One of all time favorite dishes to eat with gandule rice is pastele stew or pasteles, also popular Puerto Rican dishes here in Hawai’i. You can also eat it alone as a main dish.
How to store?
Once rice has cooled, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This will keep for 3-4 days.
How to reheat?
This gandule rice recipe can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove top. Placing rice in the refrigerator can cause it to dry out. One trick is using a damp paper towel placed over the rice while microwaving to incorporate back some moisture or adding a little water to the pot on the stove.
Can you freeze this dish?
One of the great things about gandule rice is the ability to make a big batch and freeze the extras. Place in a zip top bag or airtight container and place in the freezer. This will keep for 3-4 months.
Other great rice dishes to try
How to make gandule rice?
- Rinse rice in cool running water until water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Set a large pan over medium high heat. Add achiote oil, bacon, and pork. Cook until browned, about 5-10 minutes.
- Next add garlic, bell pepper, and onion. Cook until fragrant and the onions become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Then add cilantro and green onion. Stir to combine and heat through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Pour drained rice into the rice cooker. Add chicken broth, Sazon Goya packets, tomato sauce, gandule beans, and olives.
- Strain oil from pork mixture and discard. Add pork to the rice pot. Stir until well combined.
- Set the rice cooker to cook. Once the rice cooker has finished, open and fluff the rice by stirring with a fork.
*If using an Instant Pot, close lid, set to sealing and cook on the rice setting. This will cook for 12 minutes. Allow 10 minutes natural pressure release. Turn valve to venting. Once the pin has dropped, open and fluff the rice by stirring with a fork.
*This can also be cooked on the stove top or in the oven.
Gandule Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
Quick Achiote Oil
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon achiote annatto seeds
For the gandule rice
- 3 cups white rice uncooked
- 1 tablespoon achiote oil (from quick recipe above)
- ½ pound bacon
- ½ pound pork tenderloin sliced into thin, short, narrow strips
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ green bell pepper diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bunch cilantro finely chopped
- 5 stalks green onion thinly sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 packets Sazon Goya
- 1 can tomato sauce 8 ounces
- 1 can gandules verdes 15 ounces, drained
- 1 can black olives 6 ounces pitted and drained
Instructions
For the achiote oil
- Heat ½ cup oil + 1 tablespoon achiote seeds until sizzling and bright red. Strain.
For the gandule rice
- Rinse rice in cool running water until water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Set a large pan over medium high heat. Add achiote oil, bacon, and pork. Cook until browned, about 5-10 minutes.
- Next add garlic, bell pepper, and onion. Cook until fragrant and the onions become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Then add cilantro and green onion. Stir to combine and heat through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Pour drained rice into the rice cooker. Add chicken broth, Sazon Goya packets, tomato sauce, gandule beans, and olives.
- Strain oil from pork mixture and discard. Add pork to the rice pot. Stir until well combined.
- Set the rice cooker to cook. Once the rice cooker has finished, open and fluff the rice by stirring with a fork.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Relle Lum for Keeping It Relle. Please do not copy and paste or screenshot recipes online or on social media. I'd love it if you share a link with a photo instead. Mahalo!
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Wow, sorry you had "one of those days". Thanking for taking the time to share your recipes. Looking forward to trying this one.
Aloha. Thank you. Hope you enjoy!
Love this…thank you for sharing. How do you make this in the oven? What oven temp & for how long? Bake covered or uncovered?
Aloha. 400F for 50-60min uncovered. Thanks.
Do you need to stir it every so often when cooking in the oven?
No need to stir. Same concept as if you were cooking plain rice.
I made this in the Instant Pit and it was a hit. I had to go to a Hispanic market to find some ingredients, but so worth it. Thank you for sharing!!
I love really love this! Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
Aw thank you. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.
Yummy rice
That looks delicious. Lovely side. My family will love this
If making on the stove, how long should it cook?
Around 30-45min.
What is the stove setting ? Do u have to stir it during the 30-45 min ?
Medium high. Drop it down to medium to medium low while simmering. I would stir every once in a while to ensure the bottom isn't burning.
So flavorful and a great side for variety. It was easy to make and delish!
Love the history lesson AND the recipe! It's delicious.
can i find sazon goya in store?
You bet. Usually in the ethnic aisle.
Do you measure rice with a rice cooker cup or a regular measuring cup?
Hi. I use a rice cooker cup.
Did you use a rice cooker measuring cup too for the chicken broth or a regular measuring cup?
I use a rice cooker measuring cup. Be sure to use the same cup you use for the rice and the broth.
Which method of cooking the gandule rice you prefer? Rice cooker, instant pot or cooking on the stove top?
Taste wise I don't have a particular preference. I enjoy the rice pot or Instant Pot for time saving. I don't have to stand around and watch it like I would on the stove.
Thanks for all the information. I can’t wait to try and make this.
Thank you for your quick response! 😊
You're welcome.
Can't wait to try this recipe 😋
Hope you enjoy!
Aloha Rell, hope you and your family are doing well, Mahaloz for the recipe, followed it to the “T” cooked it in a 8cup rice cooker, using the 3cup ingredients, perfection at its finest, I wouldn’t change a thing. Can’t wait to take this to my next party here in Texas, my Hawaiian transplants will love us even more, I already do pastels stew for them that they go nuts over, now the rice, can’t thank you any much more. Again, Aloha and Mahaloz, you do the world a great thing, Aloha Patrick Kau, Kaneohe Boy😎👏🏾👏🏾🤙🏽
Aloha Patrick. Mahalo for sharing. So happy to hear. Have a great day!
Amazing recipe! I made it twice in one week and have plans to make it next week to share with my Hawaiian friends here in California. So ONO!!!!
Yay! So great to hear. Thanks for sharing.
Yessah yea u awesome 👏🏾 relle… good to see u doin ur thing n getting out there. Tell corey lets go dive we only have a nonth left for lobsters 🤣🤣. Anywhos love u guys keep on keeping on auryte 🤙🏾🤙🏾 I wish i could cook i gotta eat McDonald’s 🤣
Mahalo!. Ooh I'm down for some lobster recipes on the blog. Would be awesome. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!
Do I need to let it sit after making in rice pot?
Aloha Brittney,
You can let it sit if you'd like. I'd suggest fluffing the rice with a fork after letting it sit.
Hope you enjoy!
This dish was amazing!!! Made it in the instant pot so I could set it and forget it. Super flavorful, easy and fast to make! 💜 Will definitely make again!!!!
Aloha Juliette. Mahalo for sharing. So happy to hear. Have a great day.
I am so thankful I came across this recipe! It was easy, fast (Instant Pot) and tasted great (authentic)! This is a definite keeper! Thank you!!!
Would the ingredient amounts change if using a 4qrt instapot??
Aloha Jenna. I haven't tried making it in the 4qt before. It might be too much to fit in there. Try cutting the recipe in half and fo from there. If you try it, please let me know. Thank you.
Hi Relle,
If I can’t find Achiote oil or seeds to make the oil, what is my other option? That’s the only ingredient I am having issues finding. Looking forward to cooking this dish. Sounds delicious
Most grocery stores carry it in the ethnic aisle. If not you can get in on Amazon. Here's an affiliate link https://amzn.to/3kJL8Jb
I made this today in the Instant Pot. Came out perfect except I forgot to add salt when cooking the pork. Nothing a little shoyu can’t fix! You are my go to girl for any local recipes!!
Aloha Andrea. So great to hear. Happy you were able to adjust it. Mahalo for stopping by. Have a great day.
I now live in Las Vegas n I've made yr gandule recipe a thousand times. It's so fast n easy in my IP. We Mahalo you so much for sharing it with the world.
Sooooo ono!!!!
Aloha. So great to hear. Mahalo for sharing. Have a great day.
This recipe is fantastic and so easy!!!
We live in PA and so miss our array of foods back home. My kids wanted this for so long so I decided to do it. I misread your recipe and actually didn’t cook the rice separately but combined everything in one pot and it is a hit!!!! Thank you
Aloha Leka. Cooking it all together is correct. Glad you enjoyed it. Happy Thanksgiving.
Aloha Relle,
My grandmother and great-grandmother taught me to make Guandules rice on the stove. It is a traditional food we ate at all celebrations. To get the recipe, I measured everything before my grandma put it in the pot. Having lost my mom and husband 7 years ago, I have not cooked this dish. Now that there is a chance for
Me to make it in a rice cooker, would you please share with me your recipe? I would so appreciate this as it will give me wonderful moments to remember my family even as I eat it alone.
Mahalo, Naniloa Yamamoto
Aloha. I use the same recipe listed on this page to make it in the rice pot. Really easy and oh so yummy. Hope you enjoy!
This was so easy and convenient to make. My family, including my picky eater, loved it. I can't wait to try the pastele stew next. Mahalo!
Yay. So happy to hear. Mahalo for sharing. Have a great day!!
Keep getting the "burn" on my IP, so I threw it in the rice cooker to finish. Yummy!
Mahaloz,
Relle
Need to make sure its mixed well and the liquids get to the bottom of the pot. The burn notice comes on when the pot thinks there's no liquid. Hope this helps.
Hi. When measuring rice, this is using the measuring cup specifically for rice, right? Typical rice measure cup is equivalent to 180 mL or 3/4 standard measuring cup.
Yes. If you use the rice cup to measure the rice, use the same rice cup to measure out the broth. You'll have a more wet and sticky rice if you use a rice cup for the rice and a regular cup for the liquid.
I've been searching for this recipe for 30 years. When I went to high school in Seattle I had a Hawaiian friend who's Grandparents from Hawaii made this, we were just kids. We would come home after a party and there it was, we would binge eat this rice at midnight! I moved back East to NY, but always remembered that dish and the flavors. I searched for 'Hawaiian rice recipes' forever, never knowing it was Puerto Rican. FINALLY, found it!! And they also used black olives. The orange oil was always a mystery (Achiote). Well, I thank you so much for solving this mystery for me and sharing your recipe!!!
Aloha Nancy. Mahalo for stopping by and sharing. Have a great day.
Hi just wondering when measuring the rice to liquid ratio, if using a rice measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker to measure out the rice, do we use that same cup to measure the liquid?
Yes. And be sure to use that same cup to measure the liquid. A regular cup is larger than a rice cooker cup.
I've been searching for this recipe for over 20 years (long story). My High School friend in Seattle was from Hawaii, and we would always end up at her Grandparents house, eating this rice at midnight. I moved away, but the flavors haunted me. Current day, I asked AI, and found out it's Puerto Rican, it led me to your site! They also used the black olives, my favorite version. It was always a mystery. I trained to cook in France but could never figure out those flavors! I will experiment further, as some recipes insist the best part is the crusty rice at the bottom (like Paella). Thank you for sharing!!
Aloha. Mahalo for sharing. Hope you enjoy!
OMGEEEEE
10 ⭐️ stars for me and my family..
the only thing I did was put plenty of cilantro!! My ohana loves it!!
You are amazing !’ Keep the onos grinds flowing from upcountry!!
ALOHA .. Annette
Aw yay. This makes me so happy. Mahalo for sharing and happy to hear you're loving it. Have a wonderful day.
Heya Relle!!
I absolutely love this Recipe!!
So easy to follow for the IP.
My son was craving so hard for this and Pastele Stew, so I did both in the IP.
So fast and flavorful .
Thank you for sharing, I am sharing this with all my Ohana on the Mainland. Of course I have to send them all the Island flavors as it is difficult to get some things there
Again, Big Mahalo from Hilo for such a great recipe!!❤️❤️❤️
Aloha. So awesome to hear. Mahalo for sharing. Have a wonderful day.
Aloha Relle!
Can’t wait to try this in an IP!
Can I use Hapa Blend Rice? & if so would I need to adjust the amount of broth?
Hi. I've never tried it, but I'm sure you could. The liquid ratio may need some adjusting. If you try it, let me know how it goes.
Aloha Relle,
I made this today in the IP and it is so good! Having it with spicy pasteles for dinner. Oh, I also made your IP pastele stew two weeks ago for a gathering with friends and it was amazingly ono! Wish I made a double batch cuz it was wiped out!
Thank you for sharing your ono recipes!
Gale
Aloha Gale. Mahalo for sharing. Happy to hear you enjoyed it. Have a great day.