Photo from pinterest.com
Bandeja Paisa is Colombia’s most iconic and hearty dish, known for its diverse flavors and generous portions. Originating from the Paisa region, this meal is a celebration of Colombian cuisine, featuring an assortment of ingredients like beans, rice, ground beef, chorizo, fried pork belly, plantains, and more. It's a complete feast on a single plate, perfect for satisfying even the biggest appetites.
Ingredients
1 cup (0.5 lb / 225 g) red kidney beans (cooked)
1 cup (0.5 lb / 225 g) white rice
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 lb (450 g) chicharrón (fried pork belly)
4 large plantains (ripe)
4 eggs
4 small Colombian chorizos
1 avocado (sliced)
4 arepas (small)
4 tbsp (60 ml) hogao (Colombian tomato and onion sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
Cook the Beans: If using dry beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender. Alternatively, use canned beans for convenience. Heat in a saucepan with salt and a tablespoon of hogao sauce for flavor.
Prepare the Rice: Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Cook the Ground Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, and cook in a pan until browned and fully cooked through. Set aside.
Fry the Pork Belly (Chicharrón): Cut the pork belly into thick strips and fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Cook the Plantains: Peel the ripe plantains and slice them lengthwise. Fry in the same oil until caramelized and golden on both sides.
Cook the Chorizo: Fry the chorizo sausages in a pan until fully cooked and crispy on the outside.
Fry the Eggs: In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny side up to place on top of the dish.
Assemble the Bandeja Paisa: On a large plate, create individual portions of rice, beans, ground beef, plantains, and pork belly. Add a fried egg on top of each serving and place the chorizo on the side. Garnish with sliced avocado, an arepa, and a spoonful of hogao.
Serving
Serve this hearty meal hot, with each component arranged beautifully on the plate. Bandeja Paisa is traditionally enjoyed with a refreshing beverage like aguapanela or a glass of fresh juice.
Bandeja Paisa is more than just a dish it’s a culinary celebration of Colombian culture. Its rich combination of flavors and textures makes it a meal fit for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special family meals. Dive into the flavors of Colombia with this impressive feast!
