Caribbean Chinese Style Rice with Peas

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules with Chinese flavors. We replace the traditional sofrito with a combination of Chinese aromatics such as ginger and garlic. Additionally, we incorporate soy sauce to enhance the umami flavors. The result is a fusion dish that combines the best of both Caribbean and Chinese cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz con gandules, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 3 cups (710ml) water 3 cups (710ml) water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Stir in the dried thyme and allspice, and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the aromatic mixture.
6. 6.
   Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. 7.
   Stir in the frozen peas and soy sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through.
8. 8.
   Season with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginger — To easily grate ginger, use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater. Peel the ginger before grating for the best texture and flavor.
• Frozen peas — If using frozen peas, there's no need to thaw them before adding to the dish. They will cook perfectly in the rice.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the rice in the vegetable oil for a couple of minutes before adding the aromatics.
• Feel free to add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper.
• Leftover rice can be transformed into delicious fried rice by stir-frying it with some vegetables and protein of your choice.
• Serve this rice as a side dish to complement your favorite Caribbean or Chinese main course.

Serving advice

Caribbean Chinese Style Rice with Peas is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish alongside your favorite Caribbean or Chinese main course. It pairs well with dishes like jerk chicken, sweet and sour pork, or tofu stir-fry. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of this dish, consider serving it in a hollowed-out pineapple or bell pepper. The vibrant colors of the rice and peas will beautifully contrast with the natural bowl, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for your table.