Hello Paulina Cocina community! On this wonderful day, we're going to tell you about bandeja paisa, a typical Colombian dish that is a feast for the palate, thanks to the blend of flavors and textures it offers in a single meal.
In this article, we'll tell you about its origins, the must-have ingredients, drinks to accompany this typical dish, and, of course, a delicious recipe to make at home that's finger-licking good!
Content table
On the bandeja paisa
What is bandeja paisa?
The bandeja paisa is one of the most iconic dishes of Colombian cuisine , originating in the country's Andean region, specifically in the department of Antioquia. It's a hearty meal , ideal for sharing with friends and family.
This colorful dish is characterized by including a wide variety of typical ingredients of Colombian cuisine, such as:
- Rice , beans,
- Minced meat (ground),
- Crackling,
- Fried egg,
- Avocado ,
- Fried ripe plantain,
- Sausage,
- Arepas.
Origin of the bandeja paisa
Its origin takes us back to the colonial era Antioquia region worked long hours in the fields and needed a hearty meal that would give them the energy they needed to carry out their tasks.
The bandeja paisa, loaded with hearty ingredients and affordable for farmers, was the answer to this need. Over time, this dish became very popular and transcended the rural boundaries to become an emblem of Colombian gastronomy.
What does bandeja paisa mean?
This dish is so named because it was traditionally served on a wooden tray used by the region's farmers to carry their food to the fields. The term "paisa" refers precisely to the inhabitants of the Antioquia region.
The ingredients of the Colombian bandeja paisa
The bandeja paisa is a dish composed of several ingredients and varies depending on the region in which it is prepared. Essential ingredients include beans, rice, minced meat , chicharrón (pork rind), a fried egg , fried plantain arepa (a type of pastry) . You can also add blood sausage, chorizo, and hogao , a traditional Colombian sauce.
The bandeja paisa is a complete meal in itself, rich in carbohydrates, thanks to the beans and rice; but also rich in protein and fat, provided by the meat, avocado, and egg.
Drinks to accompany the Colombian bandeja paisa
The drink chosen to accompany the bandeja paisa is up to the person preparing it or the person who will consume it, but among the most traditional ones you can find:
- Chicha : This drink is made with corn and panela (a type of brown sugar) and has a sweet and refreshing flavor.
- Panela water : is a hot drink prepared with panela dissolved in water and can be served with lemon and cinnamon.
- Lulo Juice : a typical Colombian fruit that is used to prepare a natural and delicious drink.
- Mazamorra : a traditional drink prepared from corn and milk.
- Refajo : a typical cocktail consisting of a combination of beer and a Colombian soda.
Some final tips for this preparation
Preparing bandeja paisa is a process that requires time and patience . To avoid being overwhelmed by the preliminary steps, it's best to plan ahead. Here are some recommendations to save time while preparing the bandeja paisa:
- Soak the beans the night before, and the next day, cook them in salted water until tender. You can add cumin and garlic to the water for flavor. Set aside.
- Cook the rice in the traditional way and set aside.
- Cook the minced meat in oil, with onion, garlic and cumin.
- Cut the chicharrón into large pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- Degrease the chorizos in boiling salted water for 10 minutes.
- Make arepas by mixing the corn dough with water and salt, forming small balls, flattening them, and cooking them on a hot griddle.
Colombian bandeja paisa recipe
- Yields: 4 portions
- Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 g of cooked minced meat
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 cup of cooked red beans
- 4 ripe bananas
- 4 chorizos
- 4 blood sausages
- 4 eggs
- 4 arepas
- 2 sliced avocados
- Oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the hogao
- 1 chopped large onion
- 1 large tomato, peeled and diced
- 1 chopped garlic clove
How to make Colombian bandeja paisa step by step
- Peel the plantains and cut them into thick slices. Fry in oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Fry the chorizos and blood sausages until golden brown. Set aside.
- To make the hogao: In a large skillet, sauté the onion, tomato, and garlic until they thicken and form a sauce. Mix the hogao with the beans.
- In a separate pan, make the fried eggs.
- Heat the arepas on a griddle or frying pan.
- Heat the cooked meat, rice, and beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- On 4 trays, arrange all the ingredients: red beans, rice, plantains, chorizo, blood sausage, minced meat, arepa, avocado, and egg. Serve hot and enjoy!
