Description
Gallo Pinto is a traditional Central American dish featuring savory long grain white rice combined with beans and seasoned with garlic, onion, and Salsa Lizano. This hearty and versatile meal is typically served with fried eggs on top, making it a perfect breakfast or light meal option full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 3 and ½ cups water
- 1 (14 oz.) can chickpeas, drained (black or red beans can be used traditionally)
- 2 Tbsp Salsa Lizano
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
Optional
- Optional vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes)
- 6 eggs (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a medium-sized saucepan with a lid, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add any optional vegetables and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toast Rice and Add Seasonings: Stir in the rice and toast it lightly in the oil for about a minute. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, stirring to combine. Pour in the water and stir everything together.
- Cook Rice: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the rice is tender, about 16-20 minutes.
- Add Beans and Salsa Lizano: Stir in the drained beans and 2 tablespoons of Salsa Lizano. Remove the saucepan from heat and cover again to keep warm while finishing the rest of the dish.
- Cook Eggs: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and cook to your desired doneness; sunny side up with a runny yolk is traditional.
- Season and Taste: While the eggs cook, taste the rice and bean mixture and adjust the salt if needed.
- Serve: Plate the rice and bean mixture topped with the fried eggs and serve immediately for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Salsa Lizano is a unique Costa Rican condiment that adds a signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor; substitute with Worcestershire sauce mixed with a bit of ketchup if unavailable.
- Optional vegetables like bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or onions add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
- Use black or red beans for a more traditional Gallo Pinto experience instead of chickpeas.
- For a vegan or vegetarian meal, omit the eggs or substitute with vegan alternatives.
- Adjust water amount slightly based on rice packaging and altitude for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Central American
Keywords: Gallo Pinto, Costa Rican rice and beans, traditional Central American recipe, breakfast rice and beans, fried eggs
