Foryoueats: Arroz con Pollo

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
• Approximately 3½ cups chicken broth (see note about measurement)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ tsp 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 jar)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Lemon or lime wedges, as garnish (optional)