The Food of Costa Rica

The food of Costa Rica is definitely delicious to taste and quite easy to prepare, once you get the hang of it. There are certain typical characteristics of this cuisine. A Casado can be considered to be a typical meal that is associated with this country. Other food items also have delectable dishes for the vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians.

The food is quite simple in its structure and is prepared by using a lot of spices. One can also see a generous use of oil. Gallo Pinto is the national dish. This consists of fried rice and black beans. The Casado is served at lunchtime.

Their food includes a large use of non-vegetarian items such as chicken, fish, beef, and loads of other seafood as well. Breakfast time for the people of Costa Rica includes menu that consists of pancakes, scrambled eggs, etc. Desserts include plain cake and pineapple patties. The vegetarian diet has been imbibed recently into the menu. This is because many people prefer vegetarian to non-vegetarian food items.

The cuisine also involves the use of coconut milk and spices. Locals are known for cooking their dishes in various ways and the taste of the food depends upon the regions where it is cooked. Sauce remains to be an integral part of their food.

Ingredients

• Oil, 3 tbsp.
• Salsa Lizano, 1 tbsp.
• Coriander, 1 tbsp. (chopped)
• Black Beans, 1½ cups (cooked)
• Rice, 2½ cups (cooked)
• Bell Pepper, 2 tbsp. (chopped)
• Onion, 2 tbsp. (chopped)

Preparation
First, you would need to cook onions along with the bell pepper for 2 minutes. Then, add the black beans with salsa and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Cook it on a medium heat. Now, you can add the cooked rice and coriander.

You can also add cooked bacon, pork, or even chicken to this preparation, to enhance its flavor. Eggs can also be served along with this dish.

Ingredients

• White Rice, 1 cup (long-grain)
• Garlic Clove, 2 (minced)
• Canola Oil, 1 tbsp.
• Carrot, ½ (diced)
• Salt, to taste
• Water, 2 cups

Preparation
Heat some oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ensure that it does not brown too much. Then, add some rice and cook it for one minute. Ensure that you keep stirring it constantly.

Then, add water to the preparation. Cook it uncovered and allow it to come to a strong boil. The carrots and salt can now be added to this mixture. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Serve it hot.