Desayuno de Nica recipe – How to make traditional Nicaraguan breakfast

Desayuno de Nica, or Desayuno Nica known as the “Nicaraguan breakfast,” is a traditional breakfast dish from Nicaragua that is typically served as the first meal of the day. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by many Nicaraguans. I ate Desayuno de Nica for breakfast during my Nicaragua trip. Here is my Desayuno de Nica recipe for you.

The history of Desayuno de Nica

Desayuno de Nica history is not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated from the country’s rural areas, where farmers and workers needed a substantial breakfast to fuel their long days of labor. Over time, the dish became popular throughout Nicaragua and is now considered a staple breakfast item.

To make Desayuno Nica, you will need:

• Gallo pinto (a mixture of rice and beans)
• Fried plantains
• Fried or scrambled eggs
• Queso fresco (fresh cheese)
• Crema (sour cream)
• Optional additions: avocado slices, chorizo, tortillas

Desayuno de Nica recipe : How to make Gallo Pinto

Gallo pinto, a cherished dish in Nicaragua, blends rice, beans, and a medley of spices, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary heritage. Originating from indigenous traditions and influenced by Spanish colonialism and African culinary practices, it symbolizes unity among Nicaragua’s people.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup small Central American red beans
• 6 cups water (for cooking beans)
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Salsa Lizano (optional, for authentic flavor)

How to make Gallo Pinto

Cook the Beans:

• Rinse 1 cup of small Central American red beans thoroughly.
• In a large pot, add the beans and 6 cups of water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook the beans for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until tender. Add more water if necessary.
• Once the beans are cooked, reserve the cooking liquid. You will use this liquid to cook the rice.

Prepare the Rice:

• Measure out 1 cup of long grain rice.
• In a pot, mix 1.5 cups of the reserved bean cooking liquid with 1.5 cups of water.
• Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the rice.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Combine and Cook Gallo Pinto:

• In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion to the pan.
• Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the cooked beans along with 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid to the skillet and mix well.
• Stir in the cooked rice and combine everything thoroughly.
• Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well blended.
• Season with salt to taste.

Desayuno de Nica recipe : How to make Fried Queso

Ingredients:

• 1 package of queso fresco or other cheese that is firm enough to fry
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Cut the queso into 1/2-inch thick slices or bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the queso to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried queso from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

Desayuno de Nica recipe : How to make Fried Plantains

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices to the skillet in a single layer.
3. Fry the plantains for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried plantains from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
5. Sprinkle with salt to taste and serve hot.

Note: It’s important to use ripe plantains for this recipe, as green plantains will not be sweet enough and overripe plantains will be too soft to fry. Additionally, be careful when frying the plantains as they can spatter oil.

Read more : How to Make Fried Plantains

Cook Eggs for Desayuno Nica

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk.
   • If using optional toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers, chop them finely.
2. Heat the Pan:
   • Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to the pan and let it melt and coat the surface evenly.
3. Cook the Eggs:
   • Pour the beaten eggs into the pan.
   • Allow the eggs to set slightly before stirring.
   • Gently stir the eggs with a spatula, pushing them from the edges toward the center, to create soft curds.

Assemble Desanyuno de Nica

Now that Gallo pinto, fried plantains and fried queso ready , its time to assemble Desayuno de Nica. To assemble the dish, start by placing a serving of Gallo pinto on a plate. Add the fried plantains, eggs, and cheese on top of the Gallo pinto. Finish with a dollop of crema and any optional additions.

In terms of nutrition, Desayuno de Nica can be a healthy breakfast option if prepared with whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Gallo pinto is a good source of fiber and protein, while eggs provide protein and healthy fats. However, fried plantains and cheese can add significant amounts of calories and saturated fat, so it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation.

Overall, Desayuno de Nica is a delicious and satisfying breakfast option that showcases the flavors and ingredients of Nicaragua’s cuisine. Enjoy!