Gallo Pinto: the recipe of the typical rich and tasty dish from Costa Rica

Gallo pinto is a typical dish from Costa Rica, but also known in other parts of South America such as Nicaragua. It is made up of cooked rice and beans that are lightly spiced thanks to salsa Linzano. This flavorful recipe has the name gallo pinto because in Spanish it means "spotted rooster" precisely because of the spotted, multi-colored appearance that beans give to rice.

Gallo pinto is a rich dish, based on rice and beans, which in these countries is enjoyed at breakfast. Serve it together with fried or scrambled eggs, a sour cream, a slice of fried cheese, guacamole or a corn tortilla. Quick and easy to make, it is a tasty recipe, which you can use even as a side dish.

The ideal variety of rice for this dish is thaibonnet, thanks to the elongated grains that remain separate even during cooking. If you can't find it you can also use basmati rice, as we did. The recipe can be enriched with other legumes, mushrooms, pumpkin or sunflower seeds and seasonal vegetables. Here's how to make the gallo pinto in just a few steps.

What is Gallo Pinto?

Gallo pinto is a traditional Costa Rican dish that is served at breakfast to start the day off right. The recipe is based on cooked rice and beans that are spiced with Linzano sauce, spices and other vegetables such as onions and peppers.

It has a speckled appearance and that is why it is called "spotted rooster" in English.

Tips for the Best Costa Rican Rice and Beans

If you don't have salsa Linzano on hand, you can use Worcestershire sauce. Anyway, you can find salsa Linzano online or typical grocery stores.

The original recipe calls for pinto beans, but you can use you favorite type of bean.

Make sure to dice vegetables in small, tiny pieces.

You can make gallo pinto recipe ahead of time.

How to store Gallo Pinto

The gallo pinto can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly closed in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Before serving, reheat gallo pinto in the microwave for a few seconds or in a skillet on medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes.

Can you freeze Gallo Pinto?

Yes! Frozen gallo pinto lasts for about 4-6 months if closed in a freezer-safe container.

How to make Gallo Pinto

To prepare the gallo pinto, pour a tablespoon of seed oil in a saucepan (1).

Chop the onion and put it in the saucepan (2).

Sauté the onion until it wilts (3). Add the red bell peppers. Sauté.

Add the rice (4).

Toast the rice for a few moments (5).

Add the bean preservation liquid (6).

Mix (7), and add more water.

Add salt (8) and cook the rice until the water has dried completely.

Season the beans with the garlic clove (9) and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Also add a pinch of salt (10).

Stir (11) and set aside.

When the rice is cooked, drain it well and put it back in the pot (12).

Add the beans (13).

Mix everything well (14). Add salsa Lizano and stir. Let is simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in cilantro.

Serve gallo pinto and enjoy (15)!