What is the traditional national dish of Puerto Rico made with rice, pigeon peas, and seasoned sofrito?

Puerto Rico’s traditional national dish made with rice, pigeon peas, and seasoned sofrito is arroz con gandules.

The Spanish name means “rice with pigeon peas.” Puerto Rican cooks typically build its flavor with sofrito, a mixture often including onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro, and culantro, then cook the rice and peas together with broth and seasonings. Pork products such as salted pork or ham may also be included, although recipes vary by household.

Arroz con gandules is especially associated with Christmas, family gatherings, and large celebrations. Pigeon peas are called gandules in Puerto Rican Spanish and are different from green peas. The dish is related to other Caribbean rice-and-legume preparations, but Puerto Rican sofrito, seasoning traditions, and cooking methods give it a distinct identity.