costa rican gallo pinto

Gallo Pinto is a traditional Cental American dish and has a long history in both Nicaraguan and Costa Rican culture. In Costa Rica, this breakfast dish is usually served with a fried egg, fresh plantains, homemade tortillas, and a cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Rice and black beans are staples in the Costa Rican diet, and Gallo Pinto is typically made using the rice and beans that are leftover from the day before.

Gallo Pinto translates to spotted rooster. The name is said to come from the speckeled appearance of the dish.

Would you beleive me if I told you that Gallo Pinto is considered one of the healthiest breakfast meals in the world? It's true! Accoring to Mike Dunphy's list of 10 Healthy International Breakfasts:

Black beans—and the heavy amounts of iron, zinc, potassium, thiamin, and folate inside—play a central role in breakfast here. Mixed with rice, spiced with cumin, pepper, and garlic, Gallo Pinto often comes with eggs on the side and a host of vitamin-rich tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, and plantains. The breakfast might have a lot to do with Costa Rica's Blue Zone designation, given to countries with long-living populations.

You can feel good about making this for your friends and family, knowing that it is, not only delicious, but also nutricious!

Ingredients

3 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked black beans
1/4 cup bean broth, chicken broth, or water
1/4 cup salsa lizano
1 small yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion and pepper until the onion becomes translucent.
add the beans, broth, cilantro, and salt to the skillet and toss
add the salsa lizano
add the cooked rice and toss until well combined and heated thoroughly

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Gallo Pinto