How To Make Puerto Rican Rice With Porkchops

Puerto Rican rice with pork chops and avocado is a delicious and well-rounded meal that combines flavorful seasoned pork chops with traditional Puerto Rican rice (arroz con gandules) and fresh avocado. Here’s how to make it:

Puerto Rican Rice (Arroz con Gandules)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 can (15 oz) gandules (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons sofrito (a blend of green peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro)
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 packet of sazón with annatto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced ham or bacon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham or bacon (if using) and cook until slightly crispy.
2. Add Sofrito and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the sofrito and cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings: Add the tomato sauce, sazón, oregano, cumin, and salt. Stir well to combine.
4. Add Rice and Gandules: Add the rice and drained gandules to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the seasonings.
5. Add Liquid: Pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
7. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork. If desired, stir in chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Puerto Rican Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning (or salt and pepper to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lime (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Season Pork Chops: In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, adobo seasoning, and paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over the pork chops.
2. Marinate: Let the pork chops marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
3. Cook Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are nicely browned.
4. Rest and Serve: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top if desired.

Fresh Avocado

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and slice the flesh while still in the skin. Scoop out the slices with a spoon.
2. Season: Place the avocado slices in a bowl, squeeze lime juice over them, and sprinkle with a bit of salt to taste.

Assembling the Dish

1. Plate the Rice: Serve a generous scoop of Puerto Rican rice on each plate.
2. Add Pork Chops: Place a cooked pork chop next to the rice.
3. Garnish with Avocado: Add slices of fresh avocado to the plate.
4. Optional Garnish: Garnish with additional lime wedges and chopped cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Puerto Rican meal!