Calentado Paisa – A Hearty and Traditional Colombian Breakfast

Short Description

Calentado Paisa is one of the most iconic and comforting Colombian breakfast dishes, especially in the Paisa region. Traditionally made with leftovers like rice, beans, and meats, it’s a hearty and flavorful way to start your day. Often topped with a fried egg and served with avocado or arepas, this meal is the perfect representation of how Colombian cuisine turns simplicity into magic.

Whether you’re craving a filling morning dish or looking for a creative way to reuse yesterday’s dinner, Calentado Paisa delivers comfort, flavor, and a taste of Colombia in every bite.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Traditional Colombian Breakfast

• Perfect for Leftovers – This dish was born to revive yesterday’s rice and beans into something delicious.
• Hearty and Satisfying – Packed with protein and flavor, it keeps you full all morning.
• True Taste of Colombia – If you want to experience authentic Colombian cuisine, this is a must-try.
• Easy to Customize – Use whatever meat or veggies you have on hand.
• Ready in Minutes – Especially if the ingredients are already cooked.

🥘 Ingredients for Calentado Paisa

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup cooked red or pinto beans (with a bit of their broth)
• 1 cup leftover meats (chorizo, shredded beef, pork belly, or grilled steak)
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 2 eggs (fried or scrambled)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Optional: arepas or avocado for serving

🔥 How to Make Calentado Paisa

1. Sauté the Base
   In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and tomato until soft and fragrant—this forms the flavor foundation of many traditional Colombian recipes.
2. Add the Meats
   Stir in your leftover meats like shredded beef, chorizo, or pork belly. Cook for a few minutes to reheat and develop flavor.
3. Mix in Rice and Beans
   Add in the cooked rice and beans. Stir to combine everything well. Let it cook until slightly crispy on the bottom—this texture is part of what makes Calentado Paisa so good.
4. Top with Eggs
   Fry or scramble eggs separately and place on top of the mixture before serving.
5. Serve Hot
   Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with arepas or sliced avocado on the side for an extra boost of flavor and authenticity.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Arepas: A must-have addition in any Paisa breakfast.
• Avocado Slices: A creamy, fresh contrast to the warm, savory rice and beans.
• Ají Picante: For those who love a spicy Colombian kick.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or Colombian hot sauce if you like heat.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based meat alternatives and skip the eggs.
• Breakfast Bowl Twist: Turn it into a Colombian breakfast bowl with toppings like cheese, plantains, or crema.

🕒 Time & Storage

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Storage Tip:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

❓ FAQs about Calentado Paisa

1. What does “Calentado” mean?
It literally means “heated up”—a perfect name for this dish made from reheated leftovers.

2. Is it only eaten for breakfast?
While it’s a classic Colombian breakfast recipe, many people enjoy it for lunch too.

3. Can I make it with just rice and beans?
Absolutely! It’s still tasty without meat.

4. Is this the same as Bandeja Paisa?
No. While both are from the Paisa region, Bandeja Paisa is more elaborate and includes more items.

📢 Craving More Colombian Morning Flavors?

Calentado Paisa is just one of many flavorful Colombian breakfast dishes! Explore our full list of Colombian Breakfast Recipes: 7 Irresistible Morning Favorites to discover more comforting, traditional meals that will transform your mornings.

✅ Conclusion

If you’re looking to explore authentic Colombian breakfasts, Calentado Paisa is the perfect place to start. It’s easy, affordable, and deeply rooted in Colombian tradition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this warm, savory dish brings people together over a shared love for good food.

Don’t forget to check out the full roundup of Colombian Breakfast Recipes for even more irresistible dishes!

Calentado Paisa

chef

A hearty and traditional Colombian breakfast dish made by reheating rice, beans, meat, and serving with fried eggs and avocado.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine colombian

Servings 4 1

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup cooked white rice leftover preferred
• 1 cup cooked red beans drained
• 1/2 cup ground beef or steak cooked and seasoned
• 2 eggs for frying
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 onion finely chopped (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste
• avocado slices for serving (optional)

Instructions

 

• 1- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2- Sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until soft (if using).

  3-Add the rice, beans, and meat to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

  4- In another pan, fry the eggs to your desired doneness.

  5- Plate the reheated mix and top with a fried egg and optional avocado slices.

  6- Serve immediately and enjoy a traditional Calentado Paisa

Notes

This dish is great for using leftovers and pairs perfectly with Colombian coffee or hot chocolate. You can also add Arepas to the side.

Keyword calentado paisa, colombian breakfast, rice and beans, traditional colombian food