Pabellon Criollo - Venezuela's National Dish

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Lentils offer a similar texture with fewer calories.

shredded beef

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Chicken is leaner and ground beef is often less expensive.

plantains

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: bananas

Sweet potatoes provide similar sweetness and texture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and neutral in flavor.

Soak black beans overnight in water.

Drain beans and place in a pot with fresh water; add bay leaf and cumin.

Cook beans over medium heat until tender, about 1-2 hours.

In a separate pot, cook rice according to package instructions.

Season shredded beef with salt and pepper; heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear beef until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato to the skillet; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Cover and simmer beef with a little water until tender, about 1-2 hours.

Peel and slice plantains; fry in oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve rice topped with beans, shredded beef, and fried plantains; garnish with lime and cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: