The Heritage of Porotos con Riendas in Chilean Cuisine

Porotos con Riendas, which in English means “Beans with Reins,” is a dish that represents humility in Chilean cuisine but, more importantly, it is present in every Chilean household. This dish originates from the central regions of Chile. It is simple and comforting food, a signature delight, and a Chilean tradition.

A Perfect Blend of Simplicity and Nutrition

The structure of Porotos con rienda is straightforward. The main ingredients are beans (porotos), spaghetti (riendas), and pumpkin. There are also other ingredients that are part of this dish. Spices such as oregano, ground paprika, and bacon, but that will depend on the creativity and inspiration of the cook. For example, some people like to add chard or pork skin strips to it, and others don’t; but regardless, this dish is packed with nutrients, which is great! 🙂

A Symbol of Chilean Culinary Identity

Porotos con Rienda is like a golden medal in Chile’s culinary history and cultural identity. It captures the spirit of Chilean hospitality and the importance of family meals. This dish is a celebration of Chilean heritage, enjoyed in homes and restaurants, displaying the warmth and generosity of Chilean culture.

Our Take on Porotos con Rienda (Recipe included in the video below)

Check our Food YouTube channel -We Got This Food- and subscribe while you are at it 🙂

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 cups of beans (washed and soaked overnight)
• 1 cup of diced pumpkin (in large wedges)
• 250 grams of spaghetti
• Smoked pancetta
• Sausage (such as Longaniza or Chorizo; we used Carniolan)

For Stir Fry Base:

• 1 large diced onion
• 3 chopped cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot (or diced)
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (green, red, or both)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For Paprika Oil Garnish:
• 30 grams of lard (pork or vegetable)
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• A pinch of salt

Enjoy this humble Chilean classic!