Aida's Traditional Gallo Pinto
Gallo Pinto is a classic Costa Rican dish, cherished for its rich flavors and simple ingredients. This particular recipe is a heartfelt tribute to the beloved culinary creations of Aida, my girlfriend's mother, who recently passed. Known for its delicious blend of black beans and rice, this dish represents the warmth and unity of family meals in Costa Rican culture. As you prepare this comforting dish, not only will you nourish your body, but you'll also create a connection to family traditions and memories. It's perfect for gatherings and serves as a daily reminder of cherished moments spent around the dinner table. Serve it alongside eggs for breakfast or as a side dish for lunch and dinner.
6
Servings
250
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
2 cups (prepared)
white rice
1 cup (prepared)
white onion
3/4 small (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
chicken stock
1 1/2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Lizano sauce
4 tablespoons (available online)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the white onion and mincing the garlic cloves.
2
In a large skillet or pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Once simmering, add the prepared black beans, white rice, chopped cilantro, and Lizano sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
6
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
7
If you prefer a wetter consistency, serve as is, or continue to sauté on low heat to evaporate excess moisture until reaching your desired consistency.
8
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2
Fat
40
Carbs
13.3
Protein
6.7
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gallo Pinto?
Gallo Pinto is a classic Costa Rican dish known for its rich flavors and simple ingredients, primarily consisting of black beans and rice.
Who inspired this specific Gallo Pinto recipe?
This recipe is a heartfelt tribute to Aida, the mother of the author's girlfriend, honoring her culinary creations.
What are the primary ingredients in Aida's Traditional Gallo Pinto?
The main ingredients include prepared black beans, prepared white rice, white onion, garlic, chicken stock, cilantro, and Lizano sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 250 calories per serving of this Gallo Pinto.
Is this Gallo Pinto recipe high in protein?
Each serving contains 13.3 grams of protein.
How much fat is in a serving of this dish?
This dish is low in fat, containing only 2 grams per serving.
What is the fiber content?
Each serving provides 6.7 grams of dietary fiber.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is Lizano sauce and where can I get it?
Lizano sauce is a traditional Costa Rican condiment that provides the authentic flavor for Gallo Pinto; it is available for purchase online.
Should the rice and beans be cooked before starting?
Yes, the recipe requires both the black beans and white rice to be prepared beforehand.
How much Lizano sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of Lizano sauce.
How long do I sauté the onions?
The finely chopped white onion should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until translucent.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are translucent and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What kind of stock is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of chicken stock, which can be either homemade or store-bought.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro.
How long should the mixture simmer?
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until flavors meld.
How can I adjust the consistency of the Gallo Pinto?
For a wetter consistency, serve immediately after simmering; for a drier version, continue to sauté on low heat to evaporate moisture.
What is the best way to season this dish?
The dish should be seasoned with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
When is Gallo Pinto usually served?
It can be served alongside eggs for breakfast or as a side dish for lunch and dinner.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While the recipe is tagged as vegetarian, it uses chicken stock; for a strictly vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3/4 of a small white onion.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of beans are traditionally used?
This traditional recipe uses 2 cups of prepared black beans.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that represents family unity and cherished memories.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While the traditional recipe uses white rice, you could substitute it, though it may change the authentic texture.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
What is the importance of Gallo Pinto in Costa Rican culture?
It is a cherished classic dish representing the warmth of family meals and daily traditions.
Can I make this for a large gathering?
Yes, the recipe is perfect for gatherings and serves 6 people.