Pabellon Criollo Recipe

Pabellon criollo is the traditional beans and rice dish of venezuela. Black beans (caraotas negras) and rice are accompanied by tender slices of flank steak that have been cooked with tomatoes. The name pabelln means flag, and the dish is arranged on the plate so that the red tomatoes and steak, black beans, and the white rice resemble the three stripes of a tri-color flag. Serve with slices of fried plantain (tajadas) on the side (con barandas, or siderails) and/or with a fried egg on top (a caballo).