Gallina con Arroz, Aguacate, Ensalada, Patacones y Verduras

Gallina con Arroz, Aguacate, Ensalada, Patacones y Verduras is a traditional Colombian dish from the Antioquia region, often served as a substantial lunch. The name translates to "hen with rice, avocado, salad, patacones, and vegetables," reflecting the hearty, balanced composition typical of the country’s bandeja-style meals. The dish centers on gallina (hen), a poultry prized for its richer flavor and firmer texture than chicken, typically braised until tender in a seasoned broth. This is accompanied by white rice, sliced aguacate (avocado), a simple ensalada (often lettuce, tomato, and onion with lime), and patacones—twice-fried green plantain slices that provide a crispy contrast. Additional vegetables may include boiled yucca or potatoes, depending on the cook’s interpretation.

A great version is distinguished by the hen’s deep, savory broth that infuses the rice, while the patacones remain shatteringly crisp and the avocado perfectly ripe. At Medellín’s Mercado de Ciudad, the dish is celebrated for its “home-style” authenticity, as noted by chef Bruno Barbieri. Regional variations across Colombia might substitute chicken for hen, add hogao (a tomato-onion sauce), or serve with arepas. Outside Antioquia, the dish sometimes includes a side of fried ripe plantains or aji picante. The Mercado de Ciudad preparation, endorsed by Barbieri, exemplifies how this dish balances protein, starch, and fresh elements—a hallmark of Colombian comfort cuisine.