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

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Prepping the Meat and Beans
- 1
Cook the Beans
In a large pot, cook the beans with onion, garlic, and cumin until flavors meld.
- 2
Crisp the Pork Belly
Sauté pork belly strips until crispy, and set aside.
Tip: Ensure the pork belly is cooked until crispy for the best texture.
- 3
Brown the Chorizos
Cook chorizos over medium heat until browned.
Preparing the Rice & Plantains
- 1
Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, boil water, add rice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- 2
Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat to simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.
Tip: Slightly undercook the rice to finish it off just before serving for that perfect bite.
- 3
Fry the Plantains
Fry plantain slices in a bit of oil until golden and caramelized.
How to Make Rustic Colombian Bandeja Paisa with Plantains and Avocado
Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Meat Sautéing
Brown the ground beef in the same pan used for pork belly, allowing residual oil to flavor the meat.
- 2
Egg Frying
Fry eggs sunny-side-up in a separate small pan, ensuring yolks remain runny.
- 3
Environment Heating
Warm arepas in the oven at a low temperature just before serving.
Chef's Tips
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
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.
You might also love
Browse all recipes
Classic Bistro Steak Frites with Tarragon Butter

Zesty Lemongrass Garlic Noodles

Creamy Tuscan Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Slow-Braised Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta and Za'atar Oil

Smoked Salmon & Whipped Goat Cheese Tartine
Explore more from TastyFood
Looking for something different? Browse by category.