Traditional Arroz Con Gandules

Description: After so much trial and error I gave up trying to make this recipe just like Gma's. This is the one I use. I try to keep it as "low-fat" possible by not adding bacon or sausage like other recipes call for.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sofrito sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can green pigeon peas, undrained
• sazon goya con culantro y achiote (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cilantro
• salt (to taste)

Steps:

1. In a large pot, saute oil, paste and sofrito.
2. Add water, oregano,cilantro, sazon and salt.
3. After washing rice (if desired), add rice.
4. After bringing to a boil (on medium-high heat). Cover and cook on low heat until ready.
5. Garnish with roasted red bell peppers if desired.