One of the most traditional dishes and one loved by all ages – Gallo Pinto or gallopinto is a traditional dish from Central America. In Spanish ‘Gallo Pinto’ translates to spotted rooster with the name originating from the color of the delicious dish found at most mealtimes – gallo pinto is as traditional here as a cup of tea is to the Brits!
To make this delicious dish at home, we asked a local Chef how to create this delicious dish:
Ingredients
2 x tablespoons of oil
1 x finely chopped red bell pepper
1 x finely chopped yellow onion
2 x minced garlic cloves
2 x cups of cooked black beans
¾ cup of reserved cooking liquid from the beans or chicken stock
1/4 cup of Salsa Lizano* or Worcestershire sauce if not available
3 x cups of cooked rice
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
- Add chopped bell pepper and onions and cook until soft and the onions are translucent
- Add minced garlic and cook for a further 1 minute
- Add black beans, cooking liquid and Salsa Lizano (or alternative) stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and some of the liquid has evaporated
- Gently stir in the cooked rice and cook until heated through and most of the liquid is absorbed
- Stir in chopped cilantro and serve immediately
*Salsa Lizano is local to Costa Rica and is a vegetable-based sauce used widely throughout the country.
