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.
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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Slaw SaladBy Nikki PageSlaw salad is another common food in Costa Rica. This nutrient-packed dish can either be the main course or a side to add color and crunch to your casado or other dinner plates. Aside from very few specific allergies, Slaw Salad is safe for almost all diets including Vegan and Gluten-free.
Tip: We enjoy adding a dash or two of hot sauce to add a bit of spice. We especially enjoy the Mango Hot Sauce from Jala-peños restaurant in Playa Negra, Costa Rica.Costa Rica BurritosBy Steve PageThese Costa Rica burritos are a favorite in our house and are made with many common ingredients found in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries. As a result, these burritos are an easy and very affordable meal option for any family. Whether you choose the standard flour tortilla, or the gluten-free corn tortilla, your taste buds will thank you for the satisfying flavors. This Costa Rica version of the burrito includes pre-made rice and beans and you can find links to the recipes below.
Tip: For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas. The corn tortillas are generally smaller and as a result, make it harder to roll them. The photos of the folded burritos are made with gluten-free corn tortillas and are held together with a toothpick.
We like to add a dash or two of hot sauce for a bit of spice. The Mango Hot Sauce from Jalapeno's restaurant in Playa Negra is definitely our favorite!
Tostada with Refried BeansBy Steve PageThese tostadas are a favorite in our house and are made with many common ingredients found in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries. Tostada with Refried Beans makes a quick and easy lunch that gives you a boost of nutrients and tastes great. In addition to being easy to make, these tostadas are also very affordable. Although they are not a typical Costa Rican dish they are made with ingredients that are produced locally which reduces the cost. Whether you choose a standard flour tortilla or opt for a gluten-free corn tortilla, your taste buds will enjoy the satisfying flavors. Our version of the tostada includes pre-made rice and beans. You can find links to the rice and bean recipes below.
Tip: For Gluten-free version use corn tortillas.
Note: We enjoy adding a dash or two of hot sauce to add a bit of spice. The Mango Hot Sauce from Jalapeno's restaurant in Playa Negra is definitely our favorite!
Rice recipe: https://cutthecrapcostarica.com/recipes/rice-instant-pot/
Black Beans recipe:
https://cutthecrapcostarica.com/recipes/black-beans-instant-pot/
Red Beans recipe:
https://cutthecrapcostarica.com/recipes/instant-pot-red-beans/
Seasoned Chicken & Potatoes – Electric Pressure CookerBy Nikki PageSeasoned Chicken & Potatoes is a simple, yet delicious Instant Pot recipe. This tasty dish is a great way to add protein and other nutrients to your diet. The instant pot pressure cooker does a great job trapping the juices of the chicken, resulting in moist flavorful bites. The potatoes are tasty too, since they absorb the spices and flavoring from the chicken. Just add a few garnishes and you have a dish that is appealing and mouthwatering.
Tip: Add hot sauce or other sauce to increase flavor, as desired.
Note: Adding butter to potatoes increases the flavor, but also adds fat and calories.
Chicken Soup – Electric Pressure CookerBy Nikki PageChicken Soup is not only for when you are sick but makes a great lunch, dinner or even a quick snack. Using the electric pressure cooker makes it easy to prepare chicken soup for a large family, or banquet.
Once the pot of soup is made it is simple to reheat a bowl for a fast meal. Loaded with vegetables and chicken, this dish provides many vitamins and minerals your body needs every day. The variety of flavors and textures are very satiating and leave you feeling great. Grab a bowl for lunch, and you’ll have plenty of energy to push through your hectic afternoon schedule.
Tip: The recipe can easily be altered to different tastes by selecting a different soup mix flavor.
We used Maggi’s “Sopa Criolla Gallina Con Fideos” for our package of soup mix and the nutrition information includes the nutrients from this flavor.
Tostada with Rice & BeansBy Steve PageTostada with Rice & Beans is a very quick and easy lunch that offers great taste and some needed nutrients. They are a favorite in our house and are made with many common ingredients found in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries. Tostadas are not only easy to make, but they are very affordable. Whether you choose the standard flour tortilla or the gluten-free corn tortilla, your taste buds will thank you for the satisfying flavors. Our version of the tostada includes precooked rice and beans. You can find links to the recipes below.
Tip: For a gluten-free version use corn tortillas.
We enjoy adding a dash or two of hot sauce to add a bit of spice. The Mango Hot Sauce from Jalapeno's restaurant in Playa Negra is definitely our favorite!
Rice recipe: https://cutthecrapcostarica.com/recipes/rice-instant-pot/
Black Beans recipe: https://cutthecrapcostarica.com/recipes/black-beans-instant-pot/
Red Beans recipe: https://cutthecrapcostarica.com/recipes/instant-pot-red-beans/
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.
