Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and tradition? Meet the Traditional Colombian Breakfast Calentado—an irresistible medley of rice, beans, and succulent meat that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Colombia! This hearty breakfast not only makes use of leftover ingredients but also promises a delightful start to your day. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up this comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a breakfast that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup leftover beans
- 1/2 cup cooked beef or chicken, shredded
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh arepas for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 cup of leftover beans, 1/2 cup of shredded cooked beef or chicken, 1/2 onion diced, 2 eggs, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and fresh arepas for serving.
- In a medium skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the leftover beans to the skillet and stir them into the sautéed onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through.
- Next, add the cooked rice to the skillet. Gently fold the rice into the bean and onion mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the rice is heated through, add the shredded beef or chicken to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the calentado is finishing up, heat a separate non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook them to your desired doneness (sunny-side up, over easy, etc.). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the heat and set aside.
- To serve, divide the calentado mixture between two plates. Top each serving with a cooked egg and serve alongside fresh arepas.
- Enjoy your Traditional Colombian Breakfast Calentado warm, savoring the blend of flavors and textures!
Tips
- Use Quality Leftovers: The beauty of calentado lies in its versatility. Use high-quality leftovers for the best flavor, whether it's beef, chicken, or even pork.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes to the mix for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Eggs: For the best texture, cook your eggs sunny-side up or over easy so the yolk can add a rich creaminess to your calentado.
- Serve with Arepas: Don’t skip the fresh arepas! Their warm, cornmeal goodness perfectly complements the hearty flavors of the dish.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Since the ingredients can vary, taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Make it Ahead: If you have a busy morning, you can prepare the rice and beans the night before for a quicker breakfast assembly.
- Enjoy it Anytime: While traditionally a breakfast dish, calentado is delicious at any time of day—perfect for lunch or dinner too!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
