Arroz con Pollo Recipe (One-Pot Chicken & Rice)

Ingredients

• 2¾ teaspoons salt, (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin, (divided)
• 3 pounds bone-in, (skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, (finely chopped)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, (finely chopped)
• 2 cups long grain white rice ((basmati works very well), rinsed)
• 6 cloves garlic, (minced)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 3½ cups chicken broth ((see note about measurement))
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric ((may substitute with annatto powder or bijol))
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup drained and halved pimento-stuffed green olives ((from a 6-oz/170-g jar))
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas, (thawed)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ((optional))
• Lemon or lime wedges, (as garnish (optional))