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Breakfast

Desayuno Chapín (Traditional Guatemalan Breakfast Plate)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) refried black beans
  • 1 ripe (1 plantain) plantain, sliced lengthwise
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) queso fresco, sliced
  • 60 ml (4 tbsp) sour cream, Guatemalan-style (crema)
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
  • 1 pinch salt, to taste

Method

  1. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil in a frying pan and fry the plantain slices over medium heat until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside.
  2. In the same pan, warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until heated through.
  3. Add the remaining oil to the frying pan and fry the eggs to your preference (sunny-side up is traditional).
  4. Warm the corn tortillas on a dry comal or griddle, about 30 seconds per side.
  5. Plate the eggs, beans, plantain and queso fresco together, add a dollop of crema, and serve immediately with warm tortillas.

Introduction: Desayuno Chapín ("chapín" being a nickname for Guatemalans) is the archetypal weekend and holiday morning plate found across the country, from highland kitchens to Guatemala City diners.

Cultural Background: Desayuno Chapín ("chapín" being a nickname for Guatemalans) is the archetypal weekend and holiday morning plate found across the country, from highland kitchens to Guatemala City diners. It brings together the pillars of the Guatemalan pantry — black beans, corn, eggs, plantain and fresh cheese — on one plate, reflecting the Mayan-Spanish culinary fusion that defines the national cuisine.

Tips: Use very ripe (black-spotted) plantains for natural sweetness that balances the savoury beans and cheese.

Variations: Add fried chorizo or Guatemalan longaniza sausage for a heartier version common in the highlands.

Storage: Best eaten fresh; beans can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Reheating: Reheat beans gently in a saucepan with a splash of water; fry eggs and plantain fresh.

Nutrition: Approx. 480 kcal, 19 g protein, 24 g fat, 48 g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use black beans from a can instead of refried?

A: Yes — mash canned black beans and fry briefly in a little oil to approximate the traditional texture.

Q: What is crema and can I substitute it?

A: Crema is a tangy, thinner Central American sour cream; creme fraiche or thinned sour cream both work well.

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