Bandeja Paisa: Colombian Dish for a Real Appetite

Bandeja Paisa: Colombian Dish for a Real Appetite

Bandeja paisa is Colombia's 'plate of everything': red beans and rice, fried chicharrón, fried egg, ground beef, avocado, plantain bananas and an arepa. It is the gastronomic symbol of the Antioquia region.

History of the dish

Bandeja paisa was born in the mountains of Antioquia — a region of traditionally hard physical labour. The dish had to sustain miners and farmers for a full working day. The portions are enormous: not an exaggeration but a tradition.

Key ingredients

Red kidney beans (stewed with pancetta), white rice, fried chicharrón (pork rind), ground beef (picadillo), fried egg, avocado, platano maduro (fried ripe plantain), arepa.

How to cook at home

Cook the beans for at least 2 hours or use a pressure cooker. Fry the chicharrón in a small amount of oil — the rind is fatty enough. Serve everything simultaneously on a large plate.