Asopao de Gandules

This happens to be on my favorite soups of all time. Besides having all the good qualities of good comfort food, it is easy and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

2 cans of gandules (pigeon peas)

4 -5 cups of water 

1 cup of rice (medium or large grain) 

1 cup of diced smoked ham

2-3 garlic cloves minced

1 med. onion finely chopped

1 small green pepper chopped 

1/4 cup of green salad olives stuffed w/ pimento

1 tbsp. of tomato paste 

1/2 tsp. cumin powder
1 -2 bay leafs

1/4 cup of chopped culantro or cilantro 

1tbsp. or cube of chicken consume
I know that it looks like a lot of work but in reality this is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

In a big enough pot add the olive oil and ham, cook until ham its lightly brown, then add the garlic, onion , pepper and olives and cook 3-5 min.

Now add the rest of the ingredients to the pot, (except the rice) make sure you scrape the bottom lifting all the flavor goodies, bring it to a boil and then add the rice and stir well. Now taste and add salt and pepper in case you need it. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice gets tender. Now just enjoy with some avocado slices and/or a piece of baguette.

*** Tip if you have some left overs, the rice will absorb almost all the liquid, just reheat adding some more water and adjust the flavor with some salt and pepper if needed.

*** You can use green or dry, canned or the frozen kind.