Costa Rica is among the most breathtaking places to visit-known because of its incredible biodiversity and geography that includes rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches, it's one of the top holiday destinations around. While soaking in the beautiful surroundings certainly is the major reason to visit Costa Rica, its cuisine is a large part of their culture and cannot be missed. Though full of traditional Latin American favorites, these dishes also have their own unique twist which will add flavor to any Costa Rican experience.
Casado
This is a great starting point your culinary adventure as it's one of the most traditional dishes in Costa Rican cuisine and could be found just about anywhere. Just one dish made up of various elements, a Casado is a true marriage of delicious flavors (that is fitting as 'Casado translates to 'married'). Casado is served together with your selection of meat, rice (Arroz), beans, as well as an additional two or three sides that fluctuate by location but usually include a salad, tortillas, or fried plantains.
Gallo Pinto
Usually served with breakfast, this tasty dish is a combo of rice, beans, onions, garlic, red bell peppers, cilantro, along with a signature sauce referred to as Salsa Lizano that is certainly one of Costa Rica's most widely used condiments (and is usually found in every home and restaurant). Primarily a breakfast dish, gallo pinto is generally served with eggs, cheese, not to mention, plantains.
Chifrijo
Bar food, Costa Rican style! Chifrijo is a light meal or snack that consists of rice and beans usually topped with chicharrones (or fried pork rinds, that are also ideal for snacking on their very own!) Add some avocado, fresh pico de gallo, lime, and a side of chips and you've got a layered, complex dish that pairs with any ice-cold beverage.
Patacones
As you may have noticed, plantains really are a staple of numerous Costa Rican dishes-and patacones aren't any exception. Produced from green plantains which are cut, boiled, flattened, then fried until golden brown, these deep-fried beauties make an amazing snack or appetizer. Patacones are often topped with fresh lime and salt, offering a pleasant contrast to the crispy outer coating.
Olla De Carne
What sets Costa Rican cuisine apart from other Latin American basics is its reliance upon fresh ingredients. Olla de Carne is a superb showcase for Costa Rican staples like cassava, corn, plantains, taro root, chayote, and yams; include tender, bone-in beef that's slow-cooked to perfection, and you have yourself a flavor-packed stew that's both hearty and comforting.
Sopa Negra
Black beans are the base with this thick, delicious soup which includes garlic and onions. A conventional dish, some describe it as Costa Rica's response to chicken noodle soup as it is warm, comforting, and frequently served like a balm to individuals who are feeling underneath the weather. Usually served having a side of rice and tortillas and topped with boiled eggs, this dish is another tasty option for vegetarians.
Sopa Mariscos
This soup is an excellent example of how Costa Rican cuisine varies from location to location. Best ordered in towns adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, it's a seafood-filled, tomato-based savory dish. If you're a fan of seafood, then be sure to do this dish which contains a variety of fresh items including shrimp, clams, mussels, and whitefish. Some versions also contain vegetables to add a bit of extra heartiness.
Tamal
You may be familiar with Mexican tamales-delicious pockets of flavor covered with corn husks and filled with a variety of ingredients that can lead you to seasoned meat and vegetables. Costa Rican tamales, however, commonly are not as spicy as their Mexican counterpart and tend to rely more about garlic for flavor. Another huge difference is the wrapping-Costa Rican tamales are covered with banana leaves, which is fitting as Panama and nicaragua , is one of the world's largest exporter of bananas. Often served with beans, tamales could be enjoyed during any meal, and are generally referred to as a traditional Christmas staple.
Arroz Con Leche
Costa Ricans like dessert too, and so do no fear if you have a sweet tooth because there are lots of delicious signature desserts to try. While flan and tres leches are extremely popular, arroz con leche is probably the most singularly Costa Rican dish. Translating to 'rice pudding,' this dessert is a part of Costa Rican cuisine for generations. A simple recipe of rice, sugar, cinnamon, and both condensed and evaporated milk comes together to produce a dish that is the perfect finish to any meal. As with any dish found here, there are also variations that provide this dessert a signature flair, such as the inclusion of raisins, nuts, and spices like nutmeg and ginger.
Now that you have were built with a crash course in Costa Rican cuisine, you'll be prepared to explore all that america has to offer. Like Costa Rica, these dishes are unique and therefore are products of the country whose cuisine is really as diverse since it's geography.
