Bandeja paisa: Digging into Colombia’s national dish I WIDE

chicharrón

🥗Healthier: grilled chicken

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Grilled chicken provides leaner protein while pork belly is more affordable.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

avocado

🥗Healthier: smashed peas

💰Cheaper: sliced cucumbers

Smashed peas provide creaminess with fewer calories, while cucumbers are budget-friendly.

arepas

🥗Healthier: quinoa cakes

💰Cheaper: polenta

Quinoa cakes are nutritious, while polenta is a cost-effective alternative.

Soak red beans overnight in water.

Cook soaked beans in a pot with water until tender, about 1-2 hours.

Prepare rice according to package instructions.

Grill or fry the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Cook chicharrón in a skillet until crispy, about 10-15 minutes.

Fry plantains in oil until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Fry eggs in a separate pan until the whites are set, about 2-3 minutes.

Prepare hogao sauce by sautéing onion and tomato in oil until soft, about 5 minutes.

Assemble the dish by placing rice, beans, beef, chicharrón, and plantains on a large platter.

Top with a fried egg and garnish with avocado slices and hogao sauce.

Serve with arepas and lime wedges on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: