Name: Costa Rican Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients: 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup); 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional); 1/2 bunch kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves shredded (about 2 cups); 2 cups cooked short- or long-grain brown rice; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (about 1 1/2 cups); 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro; Sea salt; 1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch dice; 1 lime, cut into wedges

A large serving bowl of rice and black beans tossed with chopped red pepper and kale ready to be topped with diced...

Photo by Matt Armendariz

Gallo pinto is a popular Costa Rican breakfast dish of black beans and rice. Brian's brother Josh, who lives and owns a café in Costa Rica, is known for his version of gallo pinto. I asked Josh for his recipe, and I was happy to discover that it's as simple to make as it is tasty. I start with leftover rice and canned beans, which makes this recipe quick and easy to throw together when I start the day.

Ingredients

1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)

1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

1/2 bunch kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves shredded (about 2 cups)

2 cups cooked short- or long-grain brown rice

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (about 1 1/2 cups)

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

Sea salt

1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 lime, cut into wedges

Preparation

Step 1
Combine the onion, bell pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and jalapeño (if youre using it) in a large sauté pan. Add 1/2 cup water and sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until they are tender, stirring occasionally and adding 1 to 2 more tablespoons water as needed to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan. Add the kale, rice, beans, and 1 cup water and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, folding the ingredients, until the kale has wilted and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 2
Add half of the cilantro and salt to taste and stir to combine. Garnish with the remaining cilantro and serve with diced avocado on top and a lime wedge.

Cover featuring a grain and bean stir-fry in a wok.

Recipe notes

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Ingredients

Preparation

Step 1

Step 2

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

71 Vegetarian Dishes That Are Packed With Protein

49 Easy Breakfast Recipes for COOK90