Nicaraguan Gallo Pinto

black beans

🥗Healthier: pinto beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Pinto beans are often less expensive and still nutritious.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar can provide acidity at a lower cost.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos are often cheaper.

Soak 3 cups of dry small red beans in water overnight.

Fill a pot with cold water to cover the soaked beans halfway and bring to a boil.

Boil the beans for a minute, then reduce heat and let them cook on low for about an hour.

In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil and add a whole chopped onion, cooking until softened.

Add 2-4 cloves of minced garlic and stir.

Add 3 cups of cooked beans to the pot with the onion and garlic.

Season with 1.5 teaspoons of salt and black pepper to taste.

Add 2 cups of uncooked long grain white rice to the pot and stir for about a minute.

Pour in 2.5 cups of the cooking liquid from the beans and bring to a boil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: