Vegetarian Moro de Guandules

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Vegetarian Moro de Guandules, a hearty and aromatic rice and pigeon pea dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of cumin, oregano, and a touch of tomato paste, this Dominican-inspired recipe showcases a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, including sweet peppers, bell peppers, and cilantro. Simmered in flavorful vegetable broth with a fragrant bay leaf, the long-grain rice absorbs every layer of spice and seasoning for a dish that's bursting with authentic flavor. Ready in just under an hour, this plant-based twist on a beloved classic is an easy one-pot meal that’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Enjoy it as a satisfying main course or a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of other cuisines.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic clove, minced
• 1 small Green bell pepper, diced
• 2 Aji dulce or sweet pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 15 ounces Pigeon peas (guandules), canned, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups Long-grain white rice
• 4 cups Vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 Bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and aji dulce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the spices with the vegetables.

Step 5

Stir in the pigeon peas and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.

Step 6

Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains in the mixture.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped cilantro and bay leaf, stirring everything to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 9

Let the rice simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid stirring while it cooks to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Step 12

Serve warm as a main course or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2363.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1739.7

Total Fat 45.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8007.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 284.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.0g	0%
Total Sugars 40.4g
Protein 59.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 475.5mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 4219.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.8%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 63.8%