Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Sofrito and Rice Recipe

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Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Sofrito and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring protein-rich chickpeas simmered in a vibrant sofrito sauce, paired with fragrant basmati rice cooked with green pigeon peas. This dish not only brings the taste of the Caribbean into your kitchen but also serves as a healthy option for vegans and those seeking low-fat meals. I fell in love with this recipe after my first bite; the combination of spices and ingredients is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Puerto Rican Chickpeas with

This Puerto Rican chickpea recipe is not just easy to make, but it also offers a variety of benefits. First, it’s packed with flavor thanks to the traditional sofrito, a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. Second, it’s vegan, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Third, the dish uses Puerto Rican garbanzo beans that provide essential protein and fiber. Additionally, it’s a perfect example of a quick Puerto Rican chickpea recipe that can be prepared in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Finally, it’s a wholesome choice for meal prep, ensuring you have healthy options ready throughout the week.

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Chickpeas with

Gather these items:

2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup very finely diced yellow onion
½ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
⅓ cup finely diced cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce (from one 15 oz can – reserve extra sauce for rice)
3 teaspoons (2 packets) Sazon seasoning
2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 ½ cups low sodium vegetarian broth (or water)
2 teaspoons olive oil
⅓ cup very finely diced yellow onion
⅓ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
¼ cup finely diced cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup no salt added tomato sauce
3 teaspoons (2 packets) sazon seasoning
1 (15 oz) can green pigeon peas (with liquid)
3 cups water
2 cups basmati white rice
Extra fresh chopped cilantro
Avocado slices
Tostones

How to Make Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent and bell peppers soften, about 2-4 minutes. Lower heat and stir in tomato sauce and sazon seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the rinsed chickpeas and low sodium vegetable broth to the pot. Keep simmering uncovered over low heat while you prepare the rice, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: In another medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and peppers soften about 2-4 minutes. Lower heat, add tomato sauce and sazon, and simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the entire can of green pigeon peas with liquid and 3 cups water to the rice pot. Bring to a boil, then stir in basmati rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Taste both the chickpeas and rice. Adjust salt or seasoning as needed. Serve the chickpeas and rice together, spooning extra sauce from the beans over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and tostones.

Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Sofrito and Rice Recipe - Puerto Rican Chickpeas with - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Puerto Rican Chickpeas with

Keep these in mind:

This dish is vegan and low-fat.
Perfect for dinner or meal prep.
For added flavor, consider using roasted garlic or adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.

Best Ways to Serve Puerto Rican Chickpeas with

Enjoy your Puerto Rican chickpea stew in numerous ways. Serve it with a side of ripe avocado slices for creaminess, or pair it with tostones for a crunchy contrast. This dish also complements a fresh salad, enhancing your meal with a refreshing touch.

How to Store and Reheat Puerto Rican Chickpeas with

To store the Puerto Rican chickpeas, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if necessary. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy healthy meals throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Rican Chickpeas with

What is Puerto Rican chickpea soup?

Puerto Rican chickpea soup is a hearty and flavorful variation of this dish, often served as a comforting meal. It includes similar ingredients but has more broth, making it soupy and perfect for colder days.

Why are chickpeas popular in Puerto Rico?

Chickpeas are popular in Puerto Rico due to their nutritional value and versatility. They serve as a great source of protein and are a staple in many traditional dishes, enhancing the culinary diversity of Puerto Rican cuisine. Learn more about the nutritional benefits of chickpeas.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Puerto Rican chickpeas with?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you rinse the chickpeas well before cooking to remove excess sodium. Also, monitor the cooking time of the rice closely to prevent it from becoming mushy and ensure all spices are well blended in the sofrito.

Variations of Puerto Rican Chickpeas with You Can Try

Experiment by adding diced sweet potatoes or carrots for a sweeter flavor. You can also create a spiced Puerto Rican chickpeas dish by incorporating chili powder or cumin for an extra kick. For a heartier meal, serve with quinoa instead of rice to enhance the protein content. Check out this vegan dessert option.

Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Sofrito and Rice Recipe - Puerto Rican Chickpeas with - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, you can also explore honey roasted root vegetables as a side dish.