Colombia's national dish, the Bandeja Paisa, is a hearty and flavorful platter that showcases the country's rich culinary traditions. It combines savory ingredients like grilled steak, crispy chicharrón, red beans, rice, fried egg, sweet plantains, avocado, and arepa into one satisfying meal. The balance of textures and flavors, from the crispy pork to the creamy avocado, makes it an unforgettable dish that truly represents Colombia's diverse and vibrant culture.
Recipe for Bandeja Paisa:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb grilled steak (carne asada)
- 1 cup crispy chicharrón (fried pork belly)
- 1 cup cooked red beans (frijoles rojos)
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 fried eggs
- 1 ripe plantain, sliced and fried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 arepa (corn cake)
- Hogao (Colombian tomato-onion sauce) for serving
Instructions:
1. Grill the steak to your preferred doneness and season with salt.
2. Fry the pork belly until crispy and golden.
3. Cook the red beans with onions, garlic, and spices until tender.
4. Prepare the white rice separately.
5. Fry the eggs sunny-side up.
6. Slice the plantain and fry until caramelized.
7. Assemble all components on a large platter, including the avocado slices and arepa.
8. Serve with hogao sauce on the side. Enjoy this delicious taste of Colombia!