Costa Rican Rice & Beans (Gallo Pinto)
This authentic Costa Rican rice & beans recipe, knowns as Gallo Pinto, is a perfect side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not to mention, super quick and easy to make.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded, cored, and diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 ounce can black beans (both the beans and liquid)
- 4 servings cooked brown rice
- 2 tablespoons salsa (any type, see note at end of recipe)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook while stirring occasionally until the veggies begin to soften but not brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add in the can of black beans (beans and liquid), cooked rice, salsa, broth, honey, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until the liquid absorbs, 5 or 10 minutes. Serve as a side item to breakfast, dinner, or lunch.
Notes
- You can use your favorite salsa (we used a green tomatillo salsa from Trader Joes). Lizano Salsa/Sauce is typically used in Costa Rica for this recipe, but since it is high in sugar content you should omit the honey if you use it.
- Can be made vegetarian using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Costa Rican Rice & Beans (Gallo Pinto)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 143
Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 240mg10%
Potassium 156mg4%
Carbohydrates 22g7%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 737IU15%
Vitamin C 27mg33%
Calcium 17mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.