Chifrijo (Costa Rican Rice, Beans and Pork Cracklings Bowl)
In short: A Costa Rican bar snack bowl of rice and red beans topped with crisp pork belly, fresh pico de gallo and avocado, with tortilla chips. It takes about 1 h 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 1 h 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 675 kcal
Chifrijo is a Costa Rican bar snack: a bowl layered with rice, red beans, crisp fried pork belly (chicharrón), pico de gallo and slices of avocado. The name joins chicharrón and frijoles. It is filling enough for a meal, and bars and parties serve it with tortilla chips and a cold drink. The appeal is the contrast between soft rice and beans, crunchy pork and the sharp, fresh pico.
Instructions
- Put the pork belly, salt, lime juice and water in a wide skillet. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, until the water has evaporated and the pork is tender.
- Keep cooking over medium heat, turning the pieces now and then, for 15 minutes in the rendered fat until deep golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Heat the tablespoon of oil in a pan and cook the onion for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, beans, their liquid and the salt, and simmer for 8 minutes, mashing a few beans until the sauce thickens.
- Mix the tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, chile and salt for the pico de gallo, and let it stand for 10 minutes.
- Warm the rice. Divide it among 4 bowls and top with the beans, the crisp pork, the pico de gallo and the avocado.
- Serve at once with tortilla chips and hot sauce.
Tips
- Skinless pork belly works but will not puff up. Pork shoulder cubes give a leaner version, cooked the same way.
- Make the chicharrón ahead and re-crisp it in a 220°C (425°F) oven for 5 to 8 minutes before serving.
Questions and answers
What does chifrijo mean?
The name combines chicharrón and frijoles, the two main ingredients.
Can I make chifrijo ahead of time?
Prepare the parts separately up to 2 days ahead. Reheat the beans and rice, re-crisp the pork in a hot oven and assemble just before serving.
Can I use black beans for chifrijo?
Yes. Red beans are the usual choice, but black or pinto beans work just as well.
How long does it take to make Chifrijo (Costa Rican Rice, Beans and Pork Cracklings Bowl)?
About 1 h 40 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 1 h 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chifrijo (Costa Rican Rice, Beans and Pork Cracklings Bowl)?
About 675 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 66 g of carbohydrates and 36 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 675 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 66 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
