Pua DeSoto’s Gandule Rice is a flavorful island style rice dish made with tender pork, chicken broth, achiote oil, tomato sauce, olives, garlic, cilantro, and savory seasonings. The achiote oil gives the rice its beautiful color, while the pork and seasonings add rich flavor to every bite.
This hearty rice dish is perfect for family meals, gatherings, and anyone who enjoys the diverse flavors of Hawaiʻi’s local food culture. Its Puerto Rican influence is part of the rich culinary traditions that have helped shape Hawaiʻi’s multicultural food scene. You can learn more about Puerto Rican food traditions through this Smithsonian overview of Puerto Rican cuisine and culture.
If you enjoy the flavors of this recipe, try our Pastele Stew. This is another comforting Hawaiʻi favorite dish made with pork, olives, cilantro, tomato, and achiote oil. Serve Gandule Rice on its own or alongside your favorite island dishes for a satisfying meal. It brings together simple ingredients and plenty of flavor.
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Gandule Rice by Pua DeSoto
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons achiote oil
- 4 oz tomato sauce
- 1 lb pork butt
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can olives
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 2–3 packets sazón
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Slice the pork butt and fry it in a pan until halfway cooked; set aside to cool.
- Place the clean rice in a rice cooker and add the olives.
- Add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic.
- Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, bay leaves, and sazón.
- Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth.
- Add the achiote oil.
- Mix everything together, then add the cooled pork.
- Cook on the rice cooker’s normal setting. When finished, stir well and serve.