Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Rice and Beans)

Kozmic Blues's Note:

I found this recipe in a copy of Vegetarian Times. Gallo Pinto translates as "spotted rooster", and is a dish eaten by many Costa Ricans almost every day. The addition of ginger and Worcestershire adds a quite unique flavor to this dish.

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 -3 tablespoons vegetarian worcestershire sauce (regular can be used as well)
• salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• fresh cilantro (optional)
• sliced green onion (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté until it just begins to soften and turns color.
3. Add garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until onion is golden.
4. Add spices and Worcestershire, and stir into onion and garlic.
5. (The first time I made this, I was afraid to add the full 3 Tbsp of Worcestershire, but the addition of the rice balances the flavor out).
6. Next, add the beans and then the rice.
7. Combine the rice and beans evenly and cook until mixture is heated through.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
9. Garnish with some chopped cilantro or green onions if you prefer.
10. Vegetarians use only the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

Reviews

[kitchenslave03]

Excellent side for a latin inspired stir fry I made tonight. The only things I did differently was to add a bit of stock with the rice because my rice was a tad dry, the juice of half a lime and salt and pepper to taste.

[trishypie]

This was very delicious. I thought the W sauce might be overpowering but I used 3 tablespoons and the flavours blended wonderfully! I used one can of black beans and the ratio of beans to rice was great!

[ksparker]

I love Gallo Pinto, after having spent a summer in Costa Rica. This recipe is good, but heed the advice of some of the Costa Ricans below and try to find some Salsa Lizano, add sour cream and even bacon if you aren't going vegetarian. I also think making sure your rice is quite firm helps, too (I used day old rice in mine). Thanks for the recipe!