Recipe 43/50 : Puerto Rica : Asopao de Gandules

Asopao is a Puerto Rican word for a stew thickened with rice. Asopao de gandules is a nice vegetarian version.

Ingredients

1.5 cups Rice 

6 cups Water

1/4 cup Oil 

1 medium Onion, finely chopped

3 Green bell peppers, finely chopped

3 Garlic, minced

2 teaspoon Oregano, dried

2 cups Tomatoes, choppep

2 cups Pigeon peas (gandules), cooked

1 tablespoon Capers, rinsed

1/2 bunch Cilantro, chopped

Salt to taste

Pepper -- to taste

Method

1. Mix the rice and water together in a large bowl and let it soak.

2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high flame. Add the onions and peppers and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and oregano and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.

3. Add tomatoes and simmer to cook down somewhat, 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the rice and its soaking water and the pigeon peas, capers, cilantro, salt and pepper. 

4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until the rice is cooked through. Add water as necessary to keep asopao stew-like and serve