Pigeon pea rice arroz de gandules

Method

Pigeon pea rice arroz de gandules

For the pigeon peas rice:

1) Put the pigeon peas and bay leaves in a large pot, cover with 3L of cold water, and place over medium heat. Cover and cook the beans until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Check the water periodically; add more, if necessary, to keep the peas covered. Drain the pigeon peas and reserve 1L of the cooking liquid.

2) Preheat oven to 180C/Gas 4.

3) Coat a large Dutch oven or other ovenproof pot with the achiote oil and place over medium heat. When the oil begins to smoke, add the onion, garlic, and peppers. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, until the vegetables have softened, without letting them brown. Pour in the chicken broth and continue to cook until the liquid is evaporated. Stir in the cumin, ground coriander seeds, and cayenne.

4) Mix in the rice and reserved pigeon peas. Pour in the reserved 1L of pigeon pea cooking liquid, lime juice, and salt; stir everything together. Cover and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

For the achiote oil:

1) Pour the oil and achiote seeds in a pot or saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes; the oil will be reddish-orange from the achiote. Strain the oil, discard the achiote seeds and set aside to cool.