Costa Ricans eat rice and beans (either black or red), two to three times a day. For lunch, this meal is called casado. For breakfast, it is called gallo pinto and consists of rice and beans mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro, accompanied with corn tortillas and coffee.

Thanks to its combination of whole grains, protein, amino acids, and antioxidants, longevity researcher and Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner considers gallo pinto to be the healthiest breakfast in the world. It is amazing how such a simple dish can be packed with so many health benefits. Here is our recipe for Gallo Pinto so you can make it at home.

Gallo Pinto

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup of cooked black beans
  • 1 1/4 cup of cooked rice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon salsa lizano (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  1. Heat up a pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and let it get hot
  2. Add onions, peppers, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper
  3. Cook for three to five minutes until the onion is translucent
  4. Mix in the beans, stir, and reduce heat to medium
  5. Add the lizano sauce, stir, and cook for five more minutes
  6. Add the rice, stir, and cook for a few more minutes to incorporate all the flavors in the rice

The recipe for why we live longer, healthier, and happier lives in Costa Rica is simple: fresh ingredients prepared with care and meals enjoyed and shared with loved ones.