Gallo Pinto

Gallo Pinto

When we vacationed in Costa Rica this past August, they served Gallo Pinto with every breakfast and it was a staple on every buffet. It was so good, we had it for more than breakfast and needless to say, it is so good, I gained a few lbs. Oops!

And of course in the morning paper they slid under our door, there, staring me in the face, was their recipe for Gallo Pinto. (Pronounced Guy-Yo Peent-o.)

Fry or scramble up two eggs in the morning (or for dinner) as we just had it, and wow. Careful though, it does have carbs in it (rice) and damn if that stuff doesn’t get me every time. Good luck and enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2- large onion

8 slices of bacon – diced small and fried ( I cut mine up small with kitchen shears versus fighting with hot bacon as I tear it into strips.)

1 red pepper – diced small

1 bunch fresh cilantro – diced small

3 small celery stalks – diced small

1 can – black beans, rinsed

2 cups -white rice ( I swear the devil makes rice…)

2 tsp of olive oil

Lizano Salsa *to taste (Lizano is a brand of salsa I thought you could only get in Costa Rica, so I bought some at their local grocery store. However, I forgot to put it in the checked luggage and put it in my carry on… it was confiscated at the airport. BUT! I checked Amazon and voila! They sold it there! So HAPPY! – Find it here: Lizano Salsa

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet and add bacon pieces. Fry until crispy. Do not drain.

Add onion, red pepper, black beans and mix well. Cook for approximately 5 minutes so the vegetables absorb the flavor.

Then add the rice, celery, cilantro and Lizano Salsa to taste. (I used 6 tablespoons)

Add salt and pepper to taste

*Traditionally served with eggs from breakfast. Eat alone as a rice salad or as a side with eggs, for breakfast or anytime. YUM!

Costa Rica under a Waterfall. Pure Heaven!