Main Course · Latin American · Dinner ·

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.

4.9(370 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Rustic Colombian Bandeja Paisa with Plantains and Avocado — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
50 min
Cook
2 h 30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prepping the Meat and Beans

  1. 1

    Cook the Beans

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

  2. 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. 3

    Brown the Chorizos

    Cook chorizos over medium heat until browned.

Preparing the Rice & Plantains

  1. 1

    Cook the Rice

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

  2. 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. 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. 1

    Meat Sautéing

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

  2. 2

    Egg Frying

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

  3. 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.

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