Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Sofrito and Rice is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico right to your kitchen. This comforting meal features protein-rich chickpeas simmered in a rich sofrito sauce, paired with fluffy basmati rice infused with green pigeon peas. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms your heart and fills your belly. Let’s dive into this authentic Puerto Rican chickpeas recipe that is both satisfying and vegan-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Puerto Rican Chickpeas with
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with benefits. First, it’s a Puerto Rican chickpeas dish that’s vegan, making it suitable for various diets. Second, the vibrant sofrito delivers a punch of flavor that can’t be beaten. Third, chickpeas are a great source of protein, making this a hearty meal option. Fourth, it uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for everyday cooking. Additionally, it’s low in fat and can be prepared in about 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll adore how traditional Puerto Rican chickpeas can be both healthy and comforting!

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Chickpeas with
Gather these items:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup very finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup finely diced cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (from one 15 oz can – reserve extra sauce for rice)
- 3 teaspoons (2 packets) Sazon seasoning
- 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 ½ cups low sodium vegetarian broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup very finely diced yellow onion
- ⅓ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup no salt added tomato sauce
- 3 teaspoons (2 packets) sazon seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can green pigeon peas (with liquid)
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups basmati white rice
- Extra fresh chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Tostones
How to Make Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent and bell peppers soften, about 2-4 minutes. Lower heat and stir in tomato sauce and sazon seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce combines well.
- Step 2: Add the rinsed chickpeas and low sodium vegetable broth to the pot. Keep the mixture simmering uncovered over low heat while you prepare the rice, stirring occasionally. If liquid gets too low, add up to ½ cup water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Step 3: In another medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and peppers soften about 2-4 minutes. Lower heat to medium-low, add tomato sauce and sazon, and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce blends.
- Step 4: Add the entire can of green pigeon peas with liquid and 3 cups water to the rice pot. Bring to a boil, then stir in basmati rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 5: Taste both the chickpeas and rice. Adjust salt or seasoning as needed. Serve the chickpeas and rice together, spooning extra sauce from the beans over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and tostones for an authentic Puerto Rican meal experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Puerto Rican Chickpeas with
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is vegan and low-fat.
- Perfect for dinner or meal prep.
- For added flavor, you can include Puerto Rican-style chickpeas with vegetables.
Nutrition Facts for Puerto Rican Chickpeas with
Per serving:
- Calories: 459 kcal
- Protein: 13.9 g
- Fat: 6.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 87.8 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Nutritional values are estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Rican Chickpeas with
What is Puerto Rican chickpeas with?
Puerto Rican chickpeas with refers to a flavorful stew made with chickpeas simmered in sofrito, accompanied by aromatic rice. It’s a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal.
Can I make Puerto Rican chickpeas with ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when reheated.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Puerto Rican chickpeas with?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you rinse the chickpeas well to remove any excess sodium. Also, monitor the liquid levels while cooking to prevent the dish from drying out. Add water or broth as needed.
Variations of Puerto Rican Chickpeas with You Can Try
There are many delicious variations to explore. You can try Puerto Rican chickpeas salad by adding fresh greens and vegetables. Additionally, for a creamier version, consider Puerto Rican chickpeas with coconut milk. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, spiced Puerto Rican chickpeas can elevate the dish further. Each variation maintains the authentic flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine while adding a unique twist.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of chickpeas, you can visit Healthline.
For a delicious side, consider making Taco Rice Bowl to complement this dish.
If you’re interested in other vegan recipes, check out Creamy Italian Meatball Soup.
Print
Puerto Rican Chickpeas with Sofrito and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Mama’s Chickpea in Sofrito with Arroz con Gandules is a comforting and flavorful Puerto Rican-inspired dish featuring protein-rich chickpeas simmered in a vibrant sofrito sauce, paired with fragrant basmati rice cooked with green pigeon peas.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup very finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup finely diced cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (from one 15 oz can – reserve extra sauce for rice)
- 3 teaspoons (2 packets) Sazon seasoning
- 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 ½ cups low sodium vegetarian broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup very finely diced yellow onion
- ⅓ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup no salt added tomato sauce
- 3 teaspoons (2 packets) sazon seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can green pigeon peas (with liquid)
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups basmati white rice
- Extra fresh chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Tostones
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent and bell peppers soften, about 2-4 minutes. Lower heat and stir in tomato sauce and sazon seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce combines well.
- Add the rinsed chickpeas and low sodium vegetable broth to the pot. Keep the mixture simmering uncovered over low heat while you prepare the rice, stirring occasionally. If liquid gets too low, add up to ½ cup water or broth to maintain moisture.
- In another medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and peppers soften about 2-4 minutes. Lower heat to medium-low, add tomato sauce and sazon, and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce blends.
- Add the entire can of green pigeon peas with liquid and 3 cups water to the rice pot. Bring to a boil, then stir in basmati rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Taste both the chickpeas and rice. Adjust salt or seasoning as needed. Serve the chickpeas and rice together, spooning extra sauce from the beans over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and tostones.
Notes
- This dish is vegan and low-fat.
- Perfect for dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 459 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 87.8 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Protein: 13.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
