Gallo Pinto Costa Rican Rice and Beans
Discover the heart of Costa Rican cuisine with this authentic Gallo Pinto recipe, a vibrant and savory medley of rice and black beans cooked to perfection and infused with the uniquely zesty flavor of Salsa Lizano. This quick and easy dish is a staple of Costa Rican breakfasts, traditionally served alongside eggs, fried plantains, or warm tortillas. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a touch of garlic elevate the dish, while a garnish of fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or as a healthy, gluten-free side that's bursting with tropical flavor. Embrace the spirit of pura vida with every delicious bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups white rice (cooked)
- 1.5 cups black beans (cooked, with some reserved liquid)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 medium bell pepper (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Salsa Lizano
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, optional for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become soft and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cooked black beans, including 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved bean liquid, to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Mix in the cooked white rice. Stir the beans and rice together until well-integrated, and allow the mixture to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Salsa Lizano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat the rice and beans evenly with the seasoning.
Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of reserved bean liquid to moisten.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more Salsa Lizano, salt, or pepper as needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the Gallo Pinto with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve warm as a standalone dish or as a side to eggs, plantains, or tortillas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1138 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1574 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 200.1 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 19.7 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 102 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 670 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
