Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Rice and Beans)
It is a popular dish in Costa Rica. It is easy to make and can be served as one-pot meal. And for those who want to eat meat can serve it with meat or fish and what ever is desired.
Equipment
- wok is very useful but can be done either in a Dutch oven or any saucepan of your choice.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced or diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon cumin, lightly roasted and ground
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper
- 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch dice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup Lizano sauce (store bought) if not on hand, use the recipe below for homemade Lizano sauce
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a wok or heavy skillet, heat olive oil, add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is translucent and tender.
- Add cumin powder, chili powder, and paprika, or cayenne. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add cooked rice, black beans and red bell peppers, and season with salt stir to combine thoroughly.
- Pour store bought lizano sauce to the contents and stir to coat the rice evenly with the sauce.
- Continue to cook stirring for 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle chopped cilantro as garnish before serving.
- The recipe is written for vegetarians, but I took the option of adding some cooked shrimps on top for my carnivore family as the image shows. Those who are vegetarian can make it without any meat or sea food component.
Notes
Lizano Sauce Recipe
if Lizano sauce is not on hand, you can make your own by blending following ingredients.
1/2 cup grated onion
1 small carrots, grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoons vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
Blend all the above ingredients in a blender. Use the amount recipe calls for, and store the rest in a jar refrigerated for future use.
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