Second Spin, Country 41: Costa Rica [International Food]

black beans

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Kidney beans provide similar texture and flavor, while pinto beans are often less expensive.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt offers creaminess with fewer calories.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Soak 1 pound of dried black beans in water overnight.

In a medium saucepan, cover the soaked beans with water, add bay leaves and chopped cilantro, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours until soft.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, add rice and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the oil is absorbed.

Add half of the chopped onion, half of the chopped bell pepper, and half of the minced garlic; sauté for another minute.

Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20 to 35 minutes.

Drain the beans, reserving 3/4 cup of the cooking water, and set aside 3 cups of the cooked rice.

In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat, add remaining chopped onions and peppers, and sauté until softened (about 6 minutes).

Add remaining minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add 2 cups of cooked black beans, reserved cooking water, and salsa Lozano; stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the 3 cups of cooked rice, combine gently, and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed (about 3 to 5 minutes).

For the plantains, slice them on the bias into 2-inch segments, melt butter, and preheat the oven to 450°F.

Brush a foil-lined baking sheet with half of the butter, place plantains in a single layer, and brush the rest of the butter over them.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden, turning once halfway through.

Serve the gallo pinto garnished with torn cilantro leaves.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens