Your vacation to Costa Rica, won’t be complete without trying the typical dish, “Gallo Pinto.”

This unique breakfast is severed everywhere throughout Costa Rica, and even in parts of neighboring, Nicaragua. Gallo pinto is essentially rice and beans with some added spices. I know you are probably thinking, “Rice and beans… for breakfast??” Trust me, you have to try it for yourself, it really is delicious!

Gallo Pinto means “spotted rooster” in Spanish. The name is said to originate from the multicolored or speckled appearance that results from cooking the rice together with the beans.  

There are many variations of gallo pinto in Costa Rica, some are made with red beans, some with black beans, and on the Caribbean side they usually add coconut milk which gives it a sweeter flavor.

Gallo pinto is typically served for breakfast, usually accompanied by eggs, toast or tortillas, sour cream, plantains, fresh fruit, and some decadent Costa Rican coffee.

Everyone in Costa Rica has a unique way of making gallo pinto, and this is the recipe for Chef Chris’ take on the traditional dish!

Ingredients – Makes 4 servings

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked beans
• 1 small chopped onion
• 1 small chopped red sweet pepper
• 2 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 tbsp Salsa Lizano ( can be found locally in Costa Rica, or at most specialty grocers)  

How to make the beans for Gallo Pinto

• For the best results, Chef Chris, recommends that you cook the beans the night before.
• If you have a pressure cooker, this will be easy – add water up to the middle of the pot, and after add the beans, cut an onion in 4 wedges, add three garlic cloves, and cilantro.
• Cook the beans for about 40 minutes or until you hear a hiss or whistle sound coming from the pressure cooker.

How to make the rice for Gallo Pinto

• First mince the garlic, then chop the onion and pepper and mix together.
• Carmelize the onions, add 2 cups of rice and mix until it starts to look yellowish in color, then add 2 cups of water.

How to Prepare Gallo Pinto

1. Fry onion, red pepper, garlic and cilantro in oil for about 3 minutes.
2. Pour in the beans and add Lizano sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t dry out.
3. Pour in the cooked rice and mix it with the beans.

Buen Provecho ~ Enjoy