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Gallo Pinto

Costa Rica

Gallo pinto, meaning 'spotted rooster', is eaten at breakfast across Costa Rica and is considered a proud symbol of national identity.

Costa Rica's national dish — rice and black beans fried together with onion, pepper and a splash of Salsa Lizano, traditionally eaten every morning with eggs and plantain.

Authentic Costa Rica Gallo Pinto recipe
Prep
10 mins
Cook
15 mins
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
440 kcal
Serves
4
Calories are an estimate based on ingredients used

Ingredients

400gcooked rice, day-old
400gcooked black beans, with some liquid
1onion, finely diced
1red pepper, finely diced
3 tbspSalsa Lizano or Worcestershire sauce
2 tbspcoriander, chopped

Method

1

Soften onion and pepper in a little oil.

2

Add the black beans with some of their liquid and simmer 3-4 minutes.

3

Stir in the rice, breaking up any clumps, and fry until well combined and the beans tint the rice.

4

Season with Salsa Lizano and finish with coriander. Serve with eggs and fried plantain.

Chef's Tip

Using day-old rice and a splash of bean liquid together is what gives gallo pinto its signature colour and texture.

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Some recipe photos courtesy of Openverse and Wikimedia Commons contributors, used under Creative Commons licenses.
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