Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Rice and Black Beans)
Local name: Gallo pinto
In short: Day-old rice and black beans stir-fried with onion, sweet pepper, garlic and cilantro, the speckled breakfast staple of Costa Rica. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 375 kcal
Gallo pinto, or spotted rooster, is the breakfast Costa Ricans grew up on: rice and black beans stirred together in a pan with onion, sweet pepper, garlic and plenty of cilantro. The bean liquid is added a little at a time so every grain turns lightly dark and flavorful. Plates usually come with fried eggs, sour cream, ripe plantain and fresh cheese, and leftovers get reheated for lunch or dinner.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the beans and half of the bean liquid. Cook for 4 minutes, mashing a few of the beans against the pan so the liquid turns slightly creamy.
- Add the rice and fold it in gently for 5 to 6 minutes, adding the rest of the liquid a little at a time, until the rice is evenly speckled and moist but not mushy.
- Stir in the cilantro and salt, taste and adjust. Serve hot with fried ripe plantain and sliced avocado.
Tips
- Day-old rice works best because fresh rice turns mushy. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a tray and let it dry for 20 minutes first.
- Many Costa Rican cooks add a splash of the country's tangy brown vegetable sauce, sold in Latin groceries. If you can't find it, a few drops of gluten-free tamari give a similar savory note, so add it a little at a time.
Questions and answers
Why is it called gallo pinto?
Gallo pinto means spotted rooster, and the name refers to the speckled look of black beans mixed through white rice.
Can I make gallo pinto with canned beans?
Yes. Drain and rinse the beans, and use 120 ml (1/2 cup) of water or vegetable stock in place of the bean cooking liquid.
How long does gallo pinto keep?
Up to 4 days in the fridge, and it reheats well in a skillet with a little oil. It also freezes for up to 3 months.
How long does it take to make Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Rice and Black Beans)?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Rice and Black Beans)?
About 375 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 65 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 375 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
