Colombian Calentado with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice 2 cups (400g) cooked rice
• 1 cup (200g) cooked beans (black or red) 1 cup (200g) cooked beans (black or red)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (150g) corn kernels 1 cup (150g) corn kernels
• 200g cooked meat (such as beef, chicken, or sausage), diced 200g cooked meat (such as beef, chicken, or sausage), diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the bell pepper and corn kernels to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cooked meat and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked rice and beans to the skillet, mixing everything together.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Use leftover cooked rice for the best texture and flavor.
• Beans — If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding to the dish to reduce sodium content.
• Meat — Feel free to use any leftover cooked meat you have on hand, such as beef, chicken, or sausage. Ensure the meat is diced into small pieces for even distribution.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the meat with a sprinkle of cumin and paprika before adding it to the skillet.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
• Serve with a side of avocado slices or a fried egg for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day for breakfast with a cup of Colombian coffee.
• Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or red kidney beans, to vary the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Calentado hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs well with a side of avocado slices or a fried egg. Enjoy it as a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the Calentado in a large serving dish and sprinkle additional chopped cilantro on top. Serve it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to this delicious Colombian dish.