Colombian Paisa Bandeja: Recipe in 7 Steps

Hello Paulina Cocina community! On this wonderful day we are going to tell you about the bandeja paisa, a typical Colombian dish which is a feast for the palate, due to the mixture of flavors and textures that it offers in the same meal.

In this note we are going to talk about its origin, the ingredients that cannot be missing, drinks to accompany this typical dish and, obviously, a very tasty recipe to make at home, which is scrumptious!

About the paisa tray

What is the bandeja paisa?

The bandeja paisa is one of the most iconic dishes of Colombian gastronomy, which originated in the Andean region of the country, specifically in the department of Antioquia. Is a abundant foodideal to share with friends and family.

This very colorful dish is characterized by including a great variety of typical ingredients of Colombian cuisine, such as:

• Ricebeans (beans),
• minced meat (ground),
• Pork rind,
• Fried egg,
• Avocado (avocado),
• Fried ripe banana,
• Chorizo,
• Arepas.

Origin of the bandeja paisa

Its origin leads us to the colonial erawhen the inhabitants of the Antioquia region worked long hours in the fields and needed a main course, which gave them the necessary energy to carry out their tasks.

The bandeja paisa, loaded with very strong ingredients, and within the reach of the peasants, was the answer to this need. Over time, this dish became very popular, and transcended the limits of the countryside to become an emblem of Colombian gastronomy.

What does bandeja paisa mean?

This dish is so called because it was traditionally served in a wooden tray that was used by the peasants of the region to take their food to the field. The term “paisa” precisely, it refers to the inhabitants of the Antioquia region.

The ingredients of the Colombian bandeja paisa

The bandeja paisa is a dish that is made up of various ingredients and varies depending on the region in which it is prepared. The ones that cannot be missing are: beans (beans), rice, minced meat (ground)pork rind, fried egg, fried plantainavocado (avocado) and arepa. In addition, you can add black pudding, chorizo ​​and hogaoa 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 proteins and fats, which are provided by the meat, the avocado and the egg.

Drinks to accompany the Colombian bandeja paisa

The drink chosen to accompany the bandeja paisa is to the taste of whoever prepares it or whoever is going to consume it, but among the most traditional ones you can find:

• girl: This drink is made with corn and panela (a type of brown sugar) and has a sweet and refreshing taste.
• panela water: It is a hot drink that is prepared with brown sugar 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.
• Porridge: a traditional drink that is prepared with corn and milk.
• Refajo: typical cocktail that consists of the combination of beer and a Colombian soda.

Some final tips for this preparation

The preparation of the bandeja paisa is a process that requires time and patience.. In order not to get overwhelmed with the previous steps, it is best to anticipate. Here we pass you some recommendations to save time preparing the tray:

• Soak the beans the night before and the next day cook them in salted water until tender. Cumin and garlic can be added to the water for flavor. Reserve.
• Cook the rice in the traditional way and reserve.
• Cook the minced meat (ground) in oil, with onion, garlic and cumin.
• Cut the chicharrón into large portions and fry them until golden and crisp. Reserve.
• The chorizos, defat them in boiling water with salt, for 10 minutes.
• Make the arepas by mixing the corn dough with water and salt, form small balls, flatten them and cook them on a hot griddle.

Colombian Bandeja Paisa Recipe

• Yield: 4 portions
• Preparation time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 500 g of cooked minced meat
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1 cup of red kidney beans (beans) cooked
• 4 ripe bananas
• 4 sausages
• 4 blood sausages
• 4 eggs
• 4 arepas
• 2 avocados sliced
• Oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

for the home

• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 large tomato peeled and diced
• 1 minced garlic clove

How to make Colombian bandeja paisa step by step

1. Peel the plantains and cut them into thick slices. Fry in oil until golden. Reserve.
2. Fry the chorizos and blood sausages until golden brown. Reserve.
3. To make the hogao: In a large skillet, saute the onion, tomato, and garlic until thickened and a sauce forms. Mix the hogao with the beans.
4. In a separate pan, make the fried eggs.
5. Heat the arepas on a griddle or skillet.
6. Heat the cooked meat, rice and beans. Season to taste.
7. On 4 trays, place all the ingredients: the red beans, the rice, the plantains, the chorizo, the black pudding, the minced meat, the arepa, the avocado and the egg. Serve hot and enjoy!