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.
Black Beans – Electric Pressure CookerBy Steve PageBlack beans are a staple in the Costa Rican diet. You will find black beans as a side of some casados and breakfast plates as an alternative to red beans. They can also be used in place of red beans for gallo pinto, a signature dish of Costa Rica. Black beans that have been refried and mashed are often found as a dip for patacones and are also known as tostones.
Black beans are very versatile and can be used to make a variety of dishes. Soups, dips, sides, and even gluten-free brownies can be made from this bean. Also, black beans are packed full of several vitamins and minerals that have medicinal properties for your body. Therefore, black beans should be a staple in your diet as a result of their versatility and health benefit.
Some health benefits associated with black beans include:
1. Maintaining Healthy Bones- from iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc.
2. Lowering Blood Pressure - with low sodium and contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
3. Warding Off Heart Disease - due to fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin B6, and phytonutrient, and no cholesterol.
4. Preventing Cancer- from Selenium, Saponins, folate, and fiber.
5. Managing Diabetes- with high-fiber.
6. Healthy Digestion- as a result of the high-fiber.
7. Weight Loss- due to the high-fiber.
Red Beans – Electric Pressure CookerBy Steve PageBlack beans are a staple in the Costa Rican diet. You will find black beans as a side of some Red beans are a staple in the Costa Rican diet. You will find red beans as a side of some casados and breakfast plates, as an alternative to black beans. Red beans can also be used in gallo pinto (read more...)Popcorn – StovetopBy Steve PageStovetop Popcorn made on the is a snack the whole family loves. It can be a healthy option too, depending on how you prepare it. We try not to add much salt to our popcorn to keep the sodium down. In addition, we use just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan to prevent burning and sticking. Try using seasonings on your popcorn to add flavor instead of the traditional butter option. Seasonings can be another way to cut down on calories and fat.
We do not have an air popper for making popcorn, so we use the stovetop method, as it is cheaper and healthier than microwave versions. Besides, we think the stovetop popcorn just tastes better. Next time you are craving a crunchy snack, why not give popcorn a try instead of chips or crackers?
Chile Lime Chayote – Instant PotBy Nikki PageIf you are looking for an affordable side for any dish, give this Chile Lime Chayote a try. Prepared in an instant pot, it is easy to make and tastes great. Since chayote is a local vegetable it is a cheap way to fill your family's stomachs. The chili spice gives a zesty flavor to the
(read more...)Mamón Chino – RambutanBy Steve PageWould you eat that weird looking fruit? We would! Mamón Chinos are DELICIOUS!
Mamón Chinos are also known as Rambutan. These red hairy treats are the perfect snack for a day at the beach, or to throw in your backpack for a hike in the jungle. (read more...)PineappleBy Steve PageCosta Rica has the sweetest and best-tasting pineapple that we have ever eaten! This amazing fruit is so juicy and delicious that it makes the perfect refreshing snack on a hot day. We make it a point to keep cut pineapple in our refrigerator, so we have it ready to eat. Pineapple is (read more...)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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Apples – ManzanasBy Steve PageApples also referred to as Manzana in Spanish, can be found throughout Costa Rica. Depending on the time of year, you can find apples that have been grown in Costa Rica. However, most of the apples I seem to buy have been imported. They remind me of the apples I buy in Colorado. They are crispy and juicy and come in a variety of different colors from green, red, and yellows with hints of orange. You can find them in most of the stores, trucks along the sides of the road, and farmers markets.
Here is what Certified Health Coach Barbara Rodgers has to says about apples in her Bestselling book "Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living."
"The apple is considered to be one of the healthier foods available. Apples are rich in vitamin C and contain a fair amount of fiber. They have other healthful benefits and nutrients, like magnesium, vitamin B-6, iron, vitamin A and calcium. When you compare this to apple sauce, a processed version of an apple, you might find the content of vitamin C to be about the same or maybe higher, but the fiber content is lower. Other nutrients originally present in the apple might be missing.
The apple sauce might contain added ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup or another sweetener. This depends on the brand you are looking at, but have you ever wondered why the processed version has more ingredients? Obviously, a certain amount of ingredients are added to obtain a longer shelf life. Others may be added to make the product look a certain way. The bottom line is you should examine what you eat. The next time you are out grocery shopping, take a hard look at the food you are selecting.
Perhaps you will make better choices if you open your eyes wider?"
Get your free sample of "Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living"
Bestselling Author Barbare Rodgers
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