Cilantro and other ingredients are whirred in the blender to create a seasoning base called soffrito used in this Latin rice and pigeon pea - gandulas - dish. Tomato sauce and soffrito impart a lovely flavor to the rice that is then cooked with the peas
INGREDIENTS (for 1 servings):
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
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- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (.25 ounce) package Spanish seasoning
- 3 cups uncooked brown rice
- 2 (15 ounce) cans pigeon peas, drained
- 6 cups boiling water
PREPARATION:
Place green peppers, onion, garlic and cilantro in a blender or food processor, puree. This mixture is called soffrito, it is your seasoning base. It can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 6 months.
Place 3 tablespoons olive oil and 6 tablespoons soffrito in an 8 quart saucepan. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes to release oils.
Pour one can of tomato sauce and the Spanish seasoning packet into the saucepan, mix well. Add 3 cups rice to the mixture and stir until the rice is coated.
Stir pigeon peas into the mixture and add boiling water. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and a pot lid. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 45 minutes or until rice is tender.