Bandeja Paisa Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes  

   Prep Time: 40 minutes

Bandeja Paisa Ingredients

Bandeja Paisa Instructions

  1. Drain the soaked red beans and place them in a pot with 4 cups of water, bay leaf, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are tender. Remove the bay leaf and keep warm.
  2. While the beans cook, score the pork belly skin in a crosshatch pattern. Place the pork belly slices in a skillet over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until the skin is crispy and golden brown and the fat is rendered, about 20-25 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  3. In a separate skillet, add the sliced chorizo and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  4. Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced skirt steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and chop or shred the steak. In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup hogao and cook for 2 minutes, then return the steak to the pan and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices until golden brown and caramelized on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  7. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup arepa dough with water and a pinch of salt until a soft dough forms. Shape into small, thick discs. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and cook the arepas for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  8. In a clean skillet, fry the eggs sunny-side up in a little oil until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. To assemble the Bandeja Paisa, place a mound of white rice and a portion of beans on a large plate. Arrange the pork belly, chorizo, ground beef with hogao, fried plantains, and arepa around the rice and beans. Top with a fried egg, garnish with avocado slices and chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.

Estimated Calories: 950, Servings: 6

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Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, think of Bandeja Paisa as a collection of treasures that need their own chests. Just as you would not toss your jewelry and coins into the same box, it is best to separate the different components of this recipe into individual containers before refrigerating. This method is a great way to keep the flavors from mingling too much, ensuring each bite remains as delicious and distinct as when it was first served. Using airtight containers is like locking the door to keep out unwanted guests, preserving freshness and making it easy to grab a quick meal later.
Shelf life for Bandeja Paisa can be compared to the lifespan of a bouquet of flowers: vibrant at first, but fading with time. In the fridge, this dish will stay at its best for about three to four days, much like how flowers look their healthiest in the first few days after being picked. If you want to extend its healthy appeal, freezing is a good option, but remember that some elements, like fried plantains, may not retain their original texture. For a fast and easy meal later, label your containers with the date, so you know when your delicious leftovers are still in their prime.
Reheating Bandeja Paisa is like waking a sleeping dragon: you want to do it gently to avoid losing its fiery spirit. The best approach is to reheat each component separately, using a microwave for quick results or a stovetop for more even heating. This way, you can keep the beans from drying out and the rice from becoming mushy, ensuring the recipe remains as healthy and tasty as possible. A splash of water or broth can be a great trick to revive moisture, making your leftovers taste almost as good as a freshly cooked meal.

About Bandeja Paisa Recipe

Bandeja Paisa is the crown jewel of Colombian cuisine, a dish that truly embodies the heart and soul of the region. When you're searching for the best recipe to recreate this classic at home, you want something that's both authentic and easy to follow. The secret to a delicious, homemade Bandeja Paisa lies in using the freshest ingredients and following a few simple tips to ensure every component is cooked to perfection. From the savory chorizo and crispy pork belly to the creamy beans and fluffy rice, each element must be prepared with care to achieve that unmistakable, tasty harmony.
If you're wondering how to make the best Bandeja Paisa, start by gathering all your ingredients ahead of time. This quick and easy approach will help you stay organized and make the cooking process much smoother. The beauty of this recipe is that it's both simple and deeply flavorful, allowing the natural tastes of each ingredient to shine. Don't forget to include ripe plantains, a perfectly fried egg, and a slice of creamy avocado-these are essential for that authentic touch. With a few expert tips, you'll find that making this dish at home is not only possible but incredibly rewarding.
For those seeking the perfect homemade Bandeja Paisa, remember that balance is key. Each bite should offer a little bit of everything: the richness of the meats, the earthiness of the beans, and the freshness of the garnishes. This recipe is designed to be both quick and easy, yet it never sacrifices the delicious, authentic flavors that make this Colombian classic so beloved. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, this tasty dish is sure to become a favorite. With the right ingredients and a passion for great food, you'll master how to make the best Bandeja Paisa in no time.

Bandeja Paisa Story

Trying this dish for the first time was like opening a well-wrapped present on a day when you least expect it. I remember sitting at a bustling table with friends who felt more like family, each of us eager to share stories and laughter. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as if we were about to watch the best scene in a favorite movie. The recipe for that day was simple: good company, great conversation, and a sense of adventure. It was a moment that felt both easy and extraordinary, like finding a shortcut on a familiar path.
The experience unfolded quickly, much like a fast train ride through a beautiful landscape where every window offers a new view. My friends guided me through the process, making it feel as easy as following a well-marked trail. There was a sense of camaraderie, as if we were all participants in a friendly competition to see who could enjoy the moment the most. The laughter and stories flowed as quickly as the meal itself, and I realized that sometimes the best memories are made in the blink of an eye.
Afterward, I felt a sense of contentment that reminded me of finishing a good book on a rainy afternoon. The feeling was both healthy and delicious, nourishing not just my body but also my spirit. It was as if I had discovered a new favorite song that I wanted to play on repeat. The experience lingered with me, a reminder that the greatest joys are often found in the simplest, most unexpected moments.

Bandeja Paisa Quick Mistake Fixes

Imagine a painter who gets a bit too enthusiastic with the salt in their palette, splashing it across the canvas until the colors lose their subtlety and become overwhelming. That is what happens when a dish becomes too salty. The best approach is to treat salt like a good friend: present, but never dominating the conversation. If the meal starts to taste like a swim in the ocean, a quick fix is to invite more neutral flavors to the party, like a fast addition of unsalted sides or a healthy squeeze of citrus, which can help balance the excess. A delicious meal should feel like a harmonious gathering, not a salty takeover.
Think of overcooking as leaving a letter in the sun until the ink fades and the paper becomes brittle. The best meals, like well-preserved letters, retain their character and vibrancy. When food is overcooked, it loses its spirit, becoming dry or tough, and the great flavors that should shine are dulled. A good cook knows when to pull the dish from the heat, much like a musician knows when to end a song on a high note. Quick attention and easy timing are the keys to keeping everything lively and delicious.
Balancing flavors at the last minute is like adjusting the lighting before a big event: a small tweak can make everything look and feel just right. If the meal tastes a bit flat or one note is too strong, a fast sprinkle of fresh herbs, a quick dash of acidity, or a healthy spoonful of something creamy can bring the whole recipe into harmony. The best dishes are like a well-rehearsed orchestra, where every instrument plays its part, and a good cook knows how to make those final adjustments for a truly delicious and memorable experience.

Healthy Bandeja Paisa Tips

Transforming the best Bandeja Paisa recipe into a health-focused meal is like tuning a classic car for modern efficiency-preserving its authentic charm while optimizing performance. To make this Colombian favorite healthier, swap out fatty cuts of pork for leaner proteins such as grilled chicken or turkey sausage. Think of it as replacing heavy engine parts with lighter, more efficient ones-your body will thank you for the upgrade. Use brown rice instead of white, and bake or air-fry the plantains and chorizo rather than deep-frying, ensuring your homemade dish remains both delicious and easy on your health. These simple ingredient swaps are the nuts and bolts that keep the recipe tasty and satisfying, without sacrificing the essence of the original.
Approaching the Bandeja Paisa recipe with a health-conscious mindset is like renovating a beloved old house: you keep the foundation but update the details for better living. Reduce the portion size of red meats and increase the beans and fresh vegetables, making the meal more balanced and perfect for your health goals. Think of avocado as your insulation-adding healthy fats without excess calories. With these quick and easy tips, you'll discover how to make a homemade, authentic version that's both tasty and good for your health. The best part? You still get all the flavors you love, just with a blueprint designed for long-term wellness.