Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Rice and Beans) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Gallo Pinto made of in Costa Rica? ›

The basics of the dish in Costa Rica are white rice, black beans, peppers, onion and spices especially coriander (cilantro in Spanish). The rice and beans are pre-cooked and then fried together with the rest of the ingredients. In Nicaragua they use red beans instead of black beans.

Gallo pinto means "spotted rooster" in Spanish. The name is said to originate in the multi-colored or speckled appearance that results from cooking the rice with black or red beans.

As a plant-based meal, gallo pinto is extremely healthy, and provides fiber, protein, antioxidants, and lots of vitamins. Why do Costa Ricans eat gallo pinto? First, because it's their national dish! Second, the ingredients are readily sourced and inexpensive.

Gallo Pinto is a breakfast dish made of rice and beans (well that's no surprise!). The cuisine itself has roots in both Costa Rican and Nicaraguan culture, and is typically referred to as just “pinto” by the locals. The Casado is probably the most traditional dish in Costa Rican cuisine.

Gallo pinto, which has a literal meaning of "spotted rooster", is the national dish of Costa Rica. It consists of rice and beans stir-fried together in a pan to create a speckled appearance.

Nevertheless, Gallo Pinto is the national dish of both Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The two versions do, however, have very distinct differences. In Costa Rica (and at Bodhi Surf + Yoga), Gallo Pinto is always made with black beans while in Nicaragua it is traditionally made with red beans.

Breakfast tends to be heavy, with gallo pinto sometimes joined by eggs and fried plantains, while lunch and dinner swap out the eggs for simple proteins and a few vegetables. In the afternoon, especially on the weekends, a cup of coffee and a baked good like an empanada or cookie may be added.

Gallo pinto can be eaten at any time of day at any meal but is typically a breakfast staple, served alongside eggs (we prefer scrambled), tortilla, fried plantains, and natilla (our version of sour cream but a little bit creamier with a sweet aftertaste).

It's either rice and beans, or riceandbeans, otherwise known as gallopinto ("red rooster," though friends and I used to call it "painted rooster" due to odd translations and plain old foolishness).

Costa Rica is its very own independent country. Unlike Puerto Rico, which is a US territory, Costa Rica stands proudly on its own, sovereign and independent. Another misconception arises when people link Costa Rica with Mexico. One common misunderstanding is about the language and culture.

What drink is Costa Rica known for? ›

Guaro Sour.

You may have heard of this one as it's considered by many to be the national drink of Costa Rica. Start with Cacique Guaro (as many Costa Rican co*cktails do), a clear sugarcane liquor.

Gallo pinto is a satisfying, savoury campesino (rural farmer) comfort dish of rice and beans, with a spicy kick from Salsa Lizano (a sauce similar to Worcestershire) and a side of eggs.

Costa Rica is famous for its incredible national parks, where travelers enjoy thrilling activities like river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and zip lining. It's also one of the best places for animal lovers to discover wildlife like macaws, sea turtles, and adorable sloths.

In Costa Rica, the phrase “Pura Vida” is commonly used interchangeably with “hey”, “what's up”, “how are you?”, “take care”, “goodbye”, and almost any other greeting, well wishes, or farewell you can think of. It's how the people live–pura vida.

Nowadays the Costa Rica currency is made of golden and silver looking coins, and the variety of bills that come in different colors. Silver looking, made of aluminum: 5 and 10 colones.

Gallo Pinto has its roots in the indigenous communities of Costa Rica and is believed to have been a staple food for generations. The dish is thought to have originated from a combination of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences and is a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage.