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Gallo Pinto – Costa Rican Rice & Beans

Enjoy authentic Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica's beloved rice and beans dish, made with Tilda rice, black beans, spices, and fresh herbs.

  • 16 - 30 Minutes
  • Easy
  • Serves 8

Method

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1110g cooked Tilda Easy Cook Basmati Rice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic (approx. 3 large cloves)
  • 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 2 x 850g cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bunch spring onions (approx. 6), trimmed and sliced
  • 12g fresh cilantro leaves, chopped and divided
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Plantains
  • 2 ripe plantains (yellow skins with black spots), peeled and sliced diagonally into ⅓-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Garnish & Serving
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Butter or oil for cooking eggs
  • 8 eggs (1 per person)
  • Optional Extras
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Extra chopped cilantro
  • Chopped spring onions
  • Hot sauce for added spice

Method

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, red pepper, and onion, sautéing for around 5 minutes until softened. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the cooked Tilda Easy Cook Basmati Rice. Reduce the heat to medium-low and toss everything together for 3–4 minutes until heated through. Fold in the black beans and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until fully combined and hot. Stir through: Spring onions, half of the chopped cilantro, salt and black pepper. If serving for breakfast or brunch, keep warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) while preparing the eggs and plantains.

  2. In a bowl, toss the plantain slices with sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the plantains in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, caramelised, and soft. Transfer to a plate, squeeze over a little lime juice, and finish with a light sprinkle of salt.

  3. Fry or scramble the eggs to your preference.

  4. Divide the Gallo Pinto between plates. Top each portion with an egg and serve with caramelised plantains on the side. Finish with: Lime wedges, extra cilantro, spring onions, avocado, sour cream and hot sauce.