A recent trip introduced me to a dish called Gallo Pinto, which is considered the national dish of Costa Rica. Ticos, the friendly indigenous people of Costa Rica, usually eat this dish for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs, but it is an enjoyable food any time of the day. We enjoyed it for breakfast daily and it was filling and tasty.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cups cooked black beans, drained
- 1/2 cup Salsa Lizano (the national preferred salsa)
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, short-grain)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Place pan over medium heat, pour oil in pan then add onion, red pepper and garlic and saute until onions begin to soften.
- Add beans and Lizano sauce, (If Salsa Lizano is not available, mix together 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 3 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce and add to onion mixture before adding beans.). Let simmer for 5 minutes stirring from time to time.
- Fold in the cooked rice, reduce to very low heat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is gone and the mixture is well heated.
- Sprinkle with cilantro and serve warm.
Recipe from International Expeditions