Arroz con Menestra y Carne

Name: Arroz con Menestra y Carne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Ecuadorian
Ingredients: 2 cups lentils; 4 beef steaks (150g each); 3 cups white rice, cooked; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tomatoes, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 tbsp achiote oil; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; Salt, pepper; Fried ripe plantain for serving

Arroz con Menestra y Carne Asada (ah-ROHS kohn meh-NEHS-trah ee KAHR-neh)

Rice with Lentil Stew and Grilled Beef

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 564 kcal

Guayaquil's iconic trio: fluffy white rice, creamy lentil stew seasoned with cumin and achiote, and a juicy grilled beef steak — the coastal lunch that defines a city.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 38.0g

Carbs 58.0g

Fat 20.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

saucepan grill or skillet pot for rice

Presentation Guide

Vessel: oval plate

Garnishes: lime wedge, cilantro

Accompaniments: fried ripe plantain, salad

Ingredients

2 cups lentils
4 beef steaks (150g each)
3 cups white rice, cooked
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 tbsp achiote oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
Salt, pepper
Fried ripe plantain for serving

Instructions

1
Cook lentils in water until tender, about 30 min. Reserve cooking liquid.
2
Make refrito: sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper in achiote oil. Add tomatoes, cumin, oregano.
3
Combine lentils with refrito and enough cooking liquid for a creamy consistency. Simmer 10 min.
4
Season beef steaks with salt, pepper, garlic. Grill or pan-sear 3-4 min per side.
5
Plate: mound of rice, ladle of menestra beside it, steak on top or alongside.
6
Serve with fried ripe plantain slices.

💡

Did You Know?

In Guayaquil, this dish is so ubiquitous that locals say you haven't really eaten lunch unless it included menestra.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

saucepan
grill or skillet
pot for rice

Garnishing

lime wedge, cilantro

Accompaniments

fried ripe plantain, salad

The Story Behind Arroz con Menestra y Carne

Arroz con menestra y carne asada is the defining dish of Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. The combination emerged in the 20th century as a complete, affordable, and nutritious meal for the working class. Lentils replaced more expensive proteins, while the grilled beef became the celebratory element. Today it represents Guayaquil's culinary identity.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch 📜 Origins: 20th century Guayaquil tradition

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