Abuela's Arroz con Gandules Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1/2 cup diced smoked ham or bacon (about 2 oz / 60g)
• 1/2 cup diced onion (1 medium, about 75g)
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (1 medium, about 75g)
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (1 medium, about 37g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons / 10 ml)
• 1 packet (1.25 oz / 35g) sazón with achiote
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat - 1.25ml)
• 2 cups medium-grain rice (400g), such as Valencia or Carolina
• 3 cups chicken broth (720ml)
• 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can pigeon peas (gandules), drained and rinsed
• 1 (8 ounce / 225g) can tomato sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (a small handful)
• Salt and pepper to taste