Gallo Pinto con Tajadas
Gallo Pinto is Nicaragua's national dish, a flavorful mix of rice and beans, often seasoned with Lizano sauce. Served here with 'tajadas' (fried plantain slices), it's a hearty and iconic Nicaraguan meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked rice(preferably day-old)
- 2 cups Cooked red beans(with some of their liquid)
- 1/2 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1/4 medium Bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 2-3 tbsp Lizano sauce(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 large Ripe plantains(for tajadas)
- enough to fry Vegetable oil for frying
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tajadas: Peel the ripe plantains and slice them thinly lengthwise or into rounds. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the plantain slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
- 2
Prepare the gallo pinto base: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Combine ingredients: Add the cooked rice and cooked beans (with some of their liquid) to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice and beans are heated through and slightly fused.
- 4
Season: Stir in the Lizano sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Serve: Serve the gallo pinto hot, topped with the crispy tajadas. It's often served with eggs, cheese, or fried meat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using day-old rice helps prevent the gallo pinto from becoming mushy.
- ✓The liquid from the beans adds flavor and helps bind the gallo pinto.
- ✓Adjust the amount of Lizano sauce to your preference; it's a key flavor component.
- ✓For tajadas, use ripe but firm plantains for the best texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cumin for extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Some variations include adding a bit of butter or sour cream.