5 from 36 votes
Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Rice and Beans)
Gallo Pinto combines cooked rice and black beans sautéed with red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and a blend of spices including cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The inclusion of Lizano salsa adds a distinctive flavor typical of Costa Rican cuisine. The dish achieves a tender texture as the rice absorbs the salsa during a low-heat finish, making it a filling, flavorful side or main dish.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
358 kcal
Course:
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
South American, Costa Rican
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice brown or white, cooked
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 sweet onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup Lizano salsa
- ½ tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. salt to taste
- 15- oz. black beans drained, canned
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat add olive oil, bell peppers, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until veggies are tender.
- Add crushed garlic and continue sautéing for 1 minute.
- Whisk together cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
- Add rice, beans, and seasoning ingredients to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Pour Lizano salsa over rice and stir well. Cook for 5-10 minutes, uncovered, over low heat, or until rice absorbs the sauce.
- Serve gallo pinto with cilantro and additional Lizano salsa, if desired, and enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cook the rice and chop the bell peppers and onions ahead of time to speed up preparation.
- Gallo Pinto keeps well refrigerated up to 3-4 days and can be frozen up to 4-6 months.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to heat evenly.
- Using day-old rice helps achieve better texture for this dish.
Nutrition Information
Calories
358kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
60g
(20%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
1146mg
(48%)
Potassium
512mg
(11%)
Fiber
9g
(36%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1180IU
(24%)
Vitamin C
58mg
(64%)
Calcium
64mg
(6%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 358
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 358kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1146mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 512mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1180IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 58mg | 64% |
| Calcium | 64mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.