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 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 Recipe

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:

• 2 cups cooked white rice ( can use any type of rice)
• 2 cups cooked red or black beans
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, red pepper, and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the cooked rice and beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and continue to stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

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 all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Cut the queso into 1/2-inch thick slices or bite-sized pieces.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Dredge the queso pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Add the queso to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
6. 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

Desanyuno de Nica recipe

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!