Teresa's Recipes
Calentao: The Colombian Comfort Food
Experience the warmth of traditional Colombian cuisine with Calentao, a deliciously hearty dish crafted from leftover rice and beans. This meal, born out of resourcefulness and the need to minimize waste, has become a comforting staple for breakfast or lunch. With each spoonful, savor the medley of flavors that is both simple and satisfying, making every day feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, diced Tomato
- 3, chopped Scallions
- 2 cups Leftover beans
- 2 cups Leftover rice
- to taste Salt and pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 55g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Saute the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in the heated oil until they begin to soften, around 3 minutes.
- Add the diced tomato and chopped scallions to the pan. Continue to cook the mixture until the vegetables are tender, approximately another 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the leftover rice and beans into the pan, stirring well to combine with the cooked vegetables.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal taste.
- Let the Calentao cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Serve your Calentao hot, and for an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions. Enjoy this comforting dish as a standalone meal or paired with a fresh salad.
Tips
- For a protein-packed version, add leftover shredded chicken or beef to the mix.
- This dish is a great way to use up leftovers, so feel free to incorporate other cooked vegetables or grains you may have on hand.
- Calentao can also be topped with fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.