Name: Yellow Rice with Pigeon Peas
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 Cubanelle pepper (Italian frying pepper), seeded and chopped; 5 fresh ají dulce (small sweet chiles), halved and seeded; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro; 3 fresh recao leaves (culantro; see cooks' note, below), chopped; 1 plum tomato, chopped; 1 (1/4-pound) piece smoked ham, diced; 1/4 cup annatto oil; 1/3 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed olives; 1 tablespoon drained bottled capers; 2 cups long-grain white rice; 1 (15-ounce) can pigeon peas, rinsed and drained; 3 1/2 cups water

Barely a day goes by at the Puerto Rican table without rice and beans making an appearance, but this version is pull-out-the-stops-special rather than everyday—you won't believe how much flavor can be packed into such an understated dish. The secret is an abundantly seasoned sofrito—the flavor base—and the slight crust, called pegao, that forms on the bottom of the pot.

Cooks' notes:

Pork can be marinated up to 3 days.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.