10 Traditional Colombian Breakfast Recipes
Explore the delicious world of Colombian breakfast recipes! From cheesy arepas to hearty calentado, these dishes make every morning feel like a feast.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Pan For cooking the calentado.
- Non-stick Pan For frying the eggs.
- Mixing Bowl For preparing the arepa dough.
- Griddle or Cast Iron Pan For cooking the arepas evenly.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and flipping.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons For accurate portioning.
- Cutting Board & Knife For chopping vegetables.
- Serving Plates For presenting the breakfast beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Calentado (Rice & Beans Mix):
- 2 cups cooked white rice leftover works best
- 1 cup cooked red or black beans drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon butter optional, for extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
For the Arepas:
- 1 cup precooked cornmeal masarepa
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon butter or oil for cooking
For the Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving (Optional):
- 1 ripe plantain sliced and fried
- ¼ cup queso fresco or grated cheese
- Avocado slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Calentado (Rice & Beans Mix)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add cooked rice and beans, stirring well. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in butter (optional) for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Arepas
- In a bowl, mix precooked cornmeal (masarepa) with salt.
- Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough forms. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes, then divide into 4 equal portions.
- Flatten each portion into a 1/2-inch thick disc.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook each arepa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 3: Fry the Eggs
- Heat butter or oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until whites are set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Plate the calentado, arepas, and fried eggs together.
- Add optional fried plantains, queso fresco, or avocado slices.
- Serve hot and enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~75g
- Fiber: ~10g
- Sugar: ~6g
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Potassium: ~700mg