Arroz con Garbanzos
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If you're looking for a simple Puerto Rican rice dish that's full of flavor, this Arroz con Garbanzos recipe is one to keep on your menu. Tender chickpeas, savory sofrito, fragrant sazón, and green olives come together with perfectly cooked rice to create a comforting side dish that pairs well with nearly any meal.
Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pork, or your favorite Puerto Rican main course for an authentic island-inspired meal made with pantry-friendly ingredients. It's also a wonderful option for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
Made in one pan, this recipe is easy enough for beginners while still delivering the classic tastes and aromas that make Puerto Rican cooking so special.
What is Arroz con Garbanzos?
Arroz con Garbanzos simply means rice with chickpeas. It's a popular Puerto Rican rice dish that combines seasoned rice with tender garbanzo beans, sofrito, olives, garlic, and spices.
While many Puerto Rican rice dishes include meat, this version keeps things simple by allowing the chickpeas to become the star ingredient. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish that's rich in flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients.
You'll often find variations made for family dinners, holidays, or whenever someone wants a comforting rice dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This easy rice dinner is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and authentic Puerto Rican flavor. It's easy to make with everyday pantry staples, making it a great option for both busy weeknights and special family meals.
The chickpeas add a hearty texture and plenty of protein, while the sofrito, sazón, and olives create the rich, savory taste that makes this dish so comforting. Whether you serve it as a satisfying side dish or enjoy it as a light vegetarian meal, it's a recipe that's sure to become a favorite.
Even better, everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy, and the leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
What to Serve With This Puerto Rican Rice Dish
Arroz con Garbanzos is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with many traditional Puerto Rican meals. For a classic combination, serve it alongside Pernil, Puerto Rico's famous slow-roasted pork.
The tender, juicy pork and crispy skin complement the seasoned rice perfectly, creating a comforting meal that's ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or Sunday dinner.
To round out the plate, add a serving of Amarillos (Fried Sweet Plantains). Their naturally sweet, caramelized flavor provides a delicious contrast to the savory rice and pork, giving you the balance of sweet and savory that makes Puerto Rican cuisine so memorable.
Together, these recipes create a complete meal that's full of authentic island flavors and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
More Puerto Rican Arroz Recipes to Try
If you love this Arroz con Garbanzos, there are plenty of other delicious Puerto Rican rice dishes to add to your meal plan. From hearty family dinners to comforting desserts, they will surely bring authentic island flavors to your table.
Arroz con Pollo – A classic Puerto Rican favorite featuring tender chicken, seasoned rice, and traditional spices for a complete one-pot meal.
Instant Pot Arroz con Chuletas – Juicy pork chops cooked with flavorful rice in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight dinner.
Arroz con Jamonilla – A quick and satisfying rice dish made with Spam, perfect when you need a comforting meal using pantry staples.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – A family-friendly recipe that combines seasoned chicken and fluffy rice in one convenient pot.
Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules – One of Puerto Rico's most iconic dishes, featuring perfectly seasoned rice with pigeon peas that's a must-have for holidays and celebrations.
Arroz con Leche – End your meal with this creamy rice pudding made with warm spices for a comforting and delicious dessert.
This Arroz con Garbanzos is an easy Puerto Rican side dish that's comforting, satisfying, and full of authentic flavor. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it's a recipe you'll find yourself making again and again.
Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or alongside your favorite main dish, this rice is sure to become a staple at your table.
Arroz con Garbanzos
If you're making Arroz con Garbanzos for the first time, you'll be surprised by how simple it is to create a flavorful Puerto Rican rice dish at home. Tender chickpeas, seasoned rice, sofrito, olives, and aromatic spices come together in one pan to make a hearty meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Take your time as the rice simmers, and let it absorb all the rich flavors. Before you know it, you'll have a comforting dish with fluffy rice and perfectly seasoned garbanzos that's ready to serve alongside your favorite Puerto Rican mains or enjoy on its own.
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium grain rice
- 1 can drained chickpeas (garbanzos)
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 tbsp. sazon
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. sofrito
- ½ cup green olives
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp. dried Mexican oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a wide skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent, around 5 minutes.
- Next, add the sofrito and chopped tomato and stir and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the sazon, oregano, salt and pepper. Next, add the rice and cook for a couple more minutes.
- Add the chickpeas, olives, and chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Gently fold the rice from the sides toward the center. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Serve with chopped cilantro and lime wedges (optional)
Notes
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and help the grains stay fluffy.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas well before adding them to the pan.
- Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid so the rice cooks evenly.
- Keep the heat low once the chicken broth begins to simmer. High heat may cause the bottom to burn before the rice becomes tender.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Trapped steam helps the rice cook properly.
- Fold the rice gently instead of stirring it often. Too much stirring can make it sticky or mushy.
- Taste the chicken broth, sazón, and olives before adding extra salt, since these ingredients may already contain plenty of sodium.
- If the rice is still firm after the liquid is absorbed, add a small splash of broth or water. Cover and cook for a few more minutes.
- Let the finished rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing. This helps the moisture settle and improves the texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat with a small splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 380Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1106mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g
These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.
