Gallo Pinto

Making Gallo Pinto is quite easy, if you’re used to whipping up fried rice from other cuisines. Where the success of the recipe hinges on is whether you use Salsa Inglesa. So before attempting this recipe, head on over to Amazon or to your local latin market and pick up a bottle.

You need:

2 cups cooked white rice
1 red bell pepper, seeded, ribs removed, and diced
1 can black beans, liquid reserved
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
a handful of cilantro, chopped
Salsa Inglesa

To make:

1. Sweat the onions and garlic in a pan with two tablespoons of oil until fragrant.
2. Add the red bell pepper and cook until it is softened, about five minutes.
3. Tip the black beans and cilantro to the pan, stirring occasionally to incorporate all the ingredients together.
4. Add two tablespoons (to start) of Salsa Inglesa and stir.
5. Spoon the rice to the pan and mix until every grain is dyed with the sauce. Taste for seasonings and add more Salsa Inglesa, salt, and pepper as needed. If the rice is beginning to get too dry, add a little bit of the liquid from the can of the black beans along with some water.
6. Gallo Pinto can be enjoyed by itself, or with sausages, eggs, avocado slices, and friend plantains. Garnish with the remaining cilantro if desired.