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Gallo Pinto Recipe

4.4 from 57 reviews

Gallo Pinto is a traditional Latin American rice and bean dish that combines long grain white rice with beans and a blend of spices, finished with a touch of Salsa Lizano for authentic flavor. This hearty and comforting dish is typically served with fried eggs on top, making it a satisfying breakfast or meal any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Beans

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional vegetables (such as onions, bell peppers, or tomatoes), chopped
  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 3½ cups water
  • 1 (14 oz.) can beans (chickpeas, black beans, or red beans), drained
  • 2 tablespoons Salsa Lizano

Eggs (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 eggs

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a medium-sized saucepan with a lid, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add any optional vegetables you like, and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Toast Rice and Add Seasonings: Stir in the rice and lightly toast it in the oil for one minute. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, mixing to combine.
  3. Cook Rice: Pour in 3½ cups of water and stir. Increase heat to high and let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 16-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
  4. Mix 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 the mixture warm.
  5. Cook Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon 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 recommended.
  6. Season to Taste: While the eggs are cooking, taste the rice and bean mixture and adjust salt if necessary.
  7. Serve: Serve the rice and beans hot, topped with the fried eggs for a complete, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Optional vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes add extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Salsa Lizano is a Costa Rican condiment that adds a unique tangy flavor; you may substitute Worcestershire sauce if unavailable.
  • Choose beans according to preference: chickpeas for a milder taste or traditional black or red beans for classic Gallo Pinto.
  • For a vegan version, skip the eggs.
  • Leftover Gallo Pinto can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated easily on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Gallo Pinto, Costa Rican rice and beans, Latin American breakfast, fried eggs, rice and beans recipe