Second Spin, Country 189: Venezuela [International Food]

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and cook faster.

shredded beef

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground beef is more affordable and cooks quickly.

plantains

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: regular potatoes

Regular potatoes are less expensive and widely available.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Plain yogurt is a lower-calorie option with similar texture.

Soak black beans overnight in water.

Drain and rinse the black beans.

In a pot, combine black beans with fresh water, bay leaf, and salt; cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.

In a separate pot, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside when done.

Season shredded beef with cumin, salt, and pepper; sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.

Add bell pepper to the beef mixture and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

Add beef broth to the beef mixture; simmer for 30 minutes until flavors meld.

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

Serve rice topped with black beans, shredded beef, and fried plantains.

Garnish with lime wedges and chopped parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: