Our full recipe guide on how to make Gallo Pinto the most popular breakfast in Costa Rica.
Gallo Pinto is a traditional Central American dish, particularly popular in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Gallo Pinto is a hearty and flavorful dish made primarily from rice and beans, and often served at breakfast alongside eggs, though it can be enjoyed at any meal. Here’s how to make Gallo Pinto:
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How to Make Gallo Pinto
Gallo Pinto Recipe Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice as it fries better)
1 cup cooked black beans (with some of their liquid)
1 small onion
1 bell pepper (red or green)
2 cloves garlic
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or Lizano sauce (traditional Costa Rican condiment, if available)
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Step By Step How to Make Gallo Pinto
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Ensure your rice and beans are cooked. Day-old rice that’s been refrigerated works best as it’s less sticky and fries well.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened and add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3 – Combine Rice and Beans
Incorporate the cooked rice into the skillet with the onion, pepper, and garlic. Stir well to combine and allow the rice to fry slightly, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked black beans along with some of their cooking liquid. The liquid will help to moisten the rice and add flavor.
Add Worcestershire sauce or Lizano sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4 – Finish and Serve
Cook together for a few minutes more to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally. Once everything is heated through and combined, stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness.
Serve hot the Gallo Pinto can be enjoyed on its own or served with scrambled or fried eggs, and sometimes with a side of fried plantains or a slice of cheese.
Tips To Make Gallo Pinto
If you can find Lizano sauce is a key ingredient in traditional Gallo Pinto, adding a unique, slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Depending on the region use red beans instead of black beans. Gallo Pinto is a versatile and filling dish, perfect for starting the day or as a comforting meal at any time.
How Many Calories Has A Gallo Pinto
About 400 calories (200 calories per cup for white rice). Cooked Black Beans (1 cup) is approximately 220 calories. Vegetable Oil (2-3 tablespoons) is about 120 calories per tablespoon.
Onion is around 40 calories, Bell Pepper is about 25 calories and Garlic is 10 calories. Lizano Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon) is around 15 calories.
Gallo Pinto made with these ingredients would likely total around 850 to 970 calories. If this batch serves 4, each serving would roughly contain 212 to 243 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.