Desayuno de Chapín (a traditional Guatemalan breakfast) is a hearty and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Guatemala’s rich culinary culture. This traditional dish combines a variety of delicious elements like refried black beans, scrambled eggs, fried plantains, and warm corn tortillas. Looking to explore new breakfast ideas? Try a taste of Guatemala! This breakfast will provide you with all the comfort and energy you need to start your day!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of making this delicious and nutritious desayuno de chapín so you can enjoy an authentic Guatemalan breakfast right at home.

What is Desayuno de Chapín?

Desayuno de Chapín is a traditional Guatemalan breakfast that consists of hearty and wholesome ingredients. The term “chapín” is a way of referring to someone from Guatemala, and it’s used to describe anything typically Guatemalan. For breakfast, this means a plate filled with the country’s best-loved ingredients: corn tortillas, refried beans, eggs, fried plantains, and salsa all bringing the full flavor of Guatemala to your table.

The Cultural Significance of Desayuno de Chapín

A traditional desayuno de chapín is a reflection fof the essence of Guatemalan life and hospitality. Breakfast in Guatemala is considered a time to gather with family, share stories, and celebrate the day ahead. As the first meal of the day, it’s a moment to enjoy the nourishing foods that have been staples for generations.

In Guatemala, breakfast is often enjoyed with loved ones coming together to share a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether at home or in a local comedor (small restaurant), families bond over dishes like frijoles (black beans), huevos revueltos (scrambled eggs), and fresh tortillas. These ingredients are delicious and deeply tied to Guatemala’s rich agricultural heritage, particularly the importance of maíz (corn), a staple crop for centuries.

The ingredients in this dish come directly from the local fields. Beans, plantains, and corn are grown across the country, and they form the foundation of Guatemalan cuisine. For generations, these foods have sustained Guatemalan families, providing energy and strength for the day ahead. Highlighting the deep connection between the land and the food that nourishes the people.

In Guatemala, sharing a meal with others is a symbol of warmth and generosity. When you visit a Guatemalan home, it’s not uncommon to be invited to share a plate of desayuno de chapín; a sign of hospitality.

Tips for Making the Best Guatemalan Breakfast

Use ripe plantains: The riper the plantains, the sweeter they’ll taste! Look for yellow plantains with black spots for optimal sweetness and flavor.
Fresh tortillas: If possible, make fresh tortillas at home or buy authentic tortillas from a Latin grocery.
Customize the salsa: If you prefer a milder salsa, skip the jalapeño and chiles. Also, try adding cilantro and lime to the salsa for a fresher taste.

Why You’ll Love Desayuno de Chapín

With its combination of refried beans, scrambled eggs, sweet plantains, and fresh tortillas, this meal is a nourishing and satisfying breakfast. It’s flavorful, filling, and full of the essence of traditional Guatemalan cuisine.

And there you have a delicious Desayuno de Chapín (Guatemalan Breakfast), you can enjoy this authentic breakfast at home anytime you wish! This recipe is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for those who want to explore the vibrant flavors of Guatemalan cuisine. Buen provecho! Enjoy your delicious Guatemalan breakfast and let the flavors take you on a journey to Guatemala.

From my table to yours,

Print Recipe

How to Make Guatemalan Desayuno de Chapín | A Traditional Breakfast Recipe

Total Time30

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Guatemalan, Latin

Keyword: Desayuno de Chapin, Guatemala, Guatemalan Breakfast, Traditional

Servings: 2 servings

Author: Dey | Touching Tables

Ingredients

For the Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos):

1 cup black beans canned or dried
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion finely chopped
1 garlic clove minced
salt to taste

For the Scrambled Eggs (Huevos Revueltos):

4 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tomato chopped
1/4 cup onion finely chopped
1 jalapeño optional
salt to taste

For the Fried Plantains (Plátanos Fritos):

2 ripe plantains peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt to taste

For the Tortillas:

fresh soft corn tortillas store-bought or homemade

For the Salsa Roja (optional):

2 tomatoes
1 onion quartered
1-2 chiles such as jalapeños or guajillo
1 garlic clove
salt to taste

Additional Toppings:

Queso fresco fresh cheese
Crema Latin sour cream
Cilantro optional

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Refried Beans

If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender.
For canned beans, simply drain and rinse.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
Add the beans to the skillet and cook for a few minutes to heat through. Then, mash the beans with a fork, leaving some beans whole for texture.
Add salt to taste and stir the beans until well combined. Set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Scrambled Eggs

Heat a bit oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, tomato, and jalapeño, and sauté until softened.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs and add them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir gently until scrambled and cooked through.
Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Plantains

In a separate skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Slice the ripe plantains into diagonal pieces. Once the oil is hot, add the plantains to the skillet and fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Heat corn tortillas on a skillet or griddle for a few seconds on each side until soft and warm.

Step 5: Make the Salsa Roja (Optional)

On a dry griddle or skillet, roast the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chiles until slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the roasted ingredients to a blender with a pinch of salt, and blend until smooth.

Assemble the Desayuno de Chapín

On each plate, start with a base of refried beans.
Add a portion of scrambled eggs and a few fried plantains.
Set corn tortillas alongside.
Top with a sprinkle of queso fresco, a dollop of crema, and freshly chopped cilantro (if desired).
Drizzle with salsa roja.
Serve!

Notes

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