We hope you enjoy these Cut The Crap Costa Rica Kitchen Recipes and information on local fruits and vegetables. We have provided descriptions and nutrition information for produce that is common in Costa Rica and other Central American countries. These foods are generally grown in-country which reduces their costs.
Although we are not nutrition experts or doctors, we have consulted these experts and have used our own experience to form the basis for the health benefits of most dishes. The majority of recipes and foods are healthy choices; however, we have added a few "not so healthy" choices to satisfy those occasional cravings.
Costa Rica Kitchen Recipes, try something new. Remove things you don't need. Cook what is local. And, stay in budget.
MangoBy Steve PageMangoes are a great snack and a perfect addition to fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. This tropical fruit is packed with nutrients and has a delicious flavor. The bright yellow meat brings vibrancy to any plate. Its sweet tropical taste always brings thoughts of warm sunshine and (read more...)Melon – CantaloupeBy Steve PageCantaloupe melon is very common in Costa Rica and is often used in fruit salad and smoothies. Cantaloupe makes a very affordable breakfast, or snack at just $0.25 per cup. Cantaloupe is a great alternative to crackers or chips, which have more calories and fats.
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Hardboiled EggsBy Steve PageHardboiled eggs are a great snack and also a great topping to salads, sandwiches and more. Eggs offer protein and healthy fats and provide a variety of healthy nutrients for your body. Hardboiled eggs are considered to be a satiating food and therefore help curb cravings and leave you feeling satisfied. Why not add hardboiled eggs to your lunch, serve them as a side, or eat them as a snack for a boost of nutrients and energy?
They are a much better option than reaching for that candy bar or bag of chips. Your body will thank you.
Health benefits of hardboiled eggs include:
1. Don’t Adversely Affect Blood Cholesterol - because your liver simply produces less.
2. Raises HDL (The “Good”) Cholesterol - due to high high-density lipoprotein levels.
3. Builds Cell Membranes - with choline a water-soluble vitamin-like essential nutrient.
4. Helps lower the risk of heart disease. - by changing LDL particles from small, dense to large LDL.
5. Eye health.- due to powerful antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
6. Lower Triglycerides - as a result of Omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Builds tissues and molecules - with a good dose of quality protein and amino acids.
8. Provides a good source of cholesterol for your body.
9. Help You Lose Weight - because of their satiating characteristics from macronutrients.Fried EggBy Taya PageFried Eggs are an easy way to add some protein to your diet. They also make an affordable breakfast, lunch or dinner and work great for a Fried Egg Sandwich. Fried eggs are satiating, so they help you feel full fast, so you don’t have to eat a bunch to feel satisfied.
Fried eggs make great snacks too. It only takes a few minutes to fry up an egg, leaving you plenty of time to get back to your activities. Eggs are accepted on many diets and eating plans too. We use coconut oil to fry our eggs, as it provides healthier fats. It also has other health benefits, making it a better option over vegetable oil or butter.
Quick Easy Beans and Rice with EggBy Nikki PageQuick Easy Beans and Rice with Egg is one of Nikki's favorite lunches. This simple recipe takes under 15 minutes to prepare and is another satiating option. One bowl of Quick Easy Beans and Rice with Egg and you will have the energy to power through your afternoon. The egg compliments the beans and rice nicely, giving it additional flavor and color. Nikki prefers her egg over easy with hot sauce, which adds a zesty flavor to the bowl.Gallo Pinto – Beans & RiceBy Steve PageWant to know the secret to Gallo Pinto?
Uses rice and beans that were cooked at least one day before. The locals will often make batches of beans and rice for sides to their Casado (typical Costa Rican dish) and use the leftovers to make Gallo Pinto for breakfast. It seems that the time allows the flavors of the beans to mature and the rice to firm up a bit. Although it takes a few days to prepare this dish, it is delicious.
