Can I store leftovers?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and reheat the components separately for best results.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, prep the beans and meats the day before. Reheat on low before serving.

What substitutions can I make for a vegetarian version?

Use a hearty vegetable stew or sautéed mushrooms in place of meats.

How do I handle overripe plantains?

These are perfect for frying as they become naturally sweeter and caramelized.

Is it okay to use regular chorizo instead of Colombian?

Yes, regular chorizo works as a substitute, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Rustic Colombian Bandeja Paisa with Plantains and Avocado

Name: Rustic Colombian Bandeja Paisa with Plantains and Avocado
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 Colombian chorizos; 1 pound pork belly, cut into strips; 2 cups cooked red beans; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced; 1 cup white rice; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 avocado, sliced; 4 arepas (tostadas); 4 eggs; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

A hearty Colombian platter that delights with variety

Experience the vibrant flavors of Colombia with this generous Bandeja Paisa platter, featuring tender meats, sweet plantains, and creamy avocado.

2 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Meat and Beans

1 pound ground beef

4 Colombian chorizos

1 pound pork belly, cut into strips

2 cups cooked red beans

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Plantains and Rice

2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced

1 cup white rice

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

For the Accompaniments

1 avocado, sliced

4 arepas (tostadas)

4 eggs

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Preparation

Prepping the Meat and Beans

Cook the Beans

In a large pot, cook the beans with onion, garlic, and cumin until flavors meld.

Crisp the Pork Belly

Sauté pork belly strips until crispy, and set aside.

Ensure the pork belly is cooked until crispy for the best texture.

Brown the Chorizos

Cook chorizos over medium heat until browned.

Preparing the Rice & Plantains

Cook the Rice

In a saucepan, boil water, add rice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat to simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.

Slightly undercook the rice to finish it off just before serving for that perfect bite.

Fry the Plantains

Fry plantain slices in a bit of oil until golden and caramelized.

Cooking Process

Meat Sautéing

Brown the ground beef in the same pan used for pork belly, allowing residual oil to flavor the meat.

Egg Frying

Fry eggs sunny-side-up in a separate small pan, ensuring yolks remain runny.

Environment Heating

Warm arepas in the oven at a low temperature just before serving.

Plating & Serving