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.
Fruit SaladBy Nikki PageFruit salad is a great snack and side! Why not make a large batch, for a quick grab out of the refrigerator? This way you can have a healthy, quick snack, or an instant side to any dish, and it’s a great way to add color and sweetness. Most people don’t eat the daily recommended amount of fruit and often opt for other unhealthy snacks. However, if you have fruit salad already prepared, odds are you will eat more fruit.
When preparing meals, most people focus primarily on the main course. By having pre-prepped food options such as fruit salad, makes it easy to provide healthy snacks and sides. Fruit is natures candy and often cures a sweet tooth craving. It is also a much better option than candy or other sugary snacks. Additionally, fruit provides a sweet contrast to the main course and other salty or spicy sides.
Fruit Salad works well for breakfast, as well. It is packed full of vitamins and minerals and provides a boost of energy to start the day. Moreover, fruit beautifully compliments a morning cup of coffee.
Costa Rica Non Alcoholic Ice DrinkBy Taya PageCosta Rica Non-Alcoholic Ice Drink
What's a Granizado?
Granizados remind me of snow cones from the states except these icy treats have a sweet twist.
They are served from carts along the sandy beaches and busy streets of Central America. We often treat ourselves to these delicious treats while enjoying a beautiful Costa Rica sunset.
We love watching the locals use a big block of ice as they run up and down what looks like a giant cheese grater. Turning the ice into a snow cone texture. They take the ice and put it into a container adding flavored syrup over the top much like a snow cone but that's not all, now here comes the sweet treat. Adding Pinito Leche (Powder Milk) and sweetened condensed milk also know as Leche Condensada, creates a perfect sweet icy treat.Granadilla – Passion FruitBy Nikki PageGranadilla - Passion Fruit is a very common fruit you can find throughout Costa Rica. There are two varieties of passion fruit: the granadilla and the maracuyá. The difference between them is kind of like that of red and green apples; however, passion fruit tastes nothing like apples. (read more...)Maracuyá – Passion FruitBy Nikki PageMaracuyá - Passion Fruit is a very common fruit you can find throughout Costa Rica. There are two varieties of passion fruit: the granadilla and the maracuyá. The difference between them is kind of like that of red and green apples; however, passion fruit tastes nothing like apples. (read more...)Watermelon – SandiaBy Steve PageIt is composed of approximately 92% water, and is a good source of Vitamin A, C, and B6. You can find it throughout Central America and can be bought in most stores year-round in Costa Rica. We love to buy watermelon - sandia from fruit stands and the back of local farmers’ trucks and (read more...)PataconesBy Nikki PagePatacones are typical Latin American food. In Costa Rica, they are found on many casados and offered as appetizers at several restaurants. Patacones are a delicious snack and can be used as an ingredient for a number of other meal options.
You can eat them alone like chips, or they can be topped with meat such as shredded beef, pork, or chicken. There are many ways to serve this fried banana/plantain treat. Use your imagination and create your own culinary masterpiece with patacones.
Green patacones make more potato like chips, whereas the yellow patacones are a bit sweeter. The green version holds together better and makes a better base to dishes where you top them.
Patacones are typical Latin American food. In Costa Rica, they are found on many casados and offered as appetizers at several restaurants. Patacones are a delicious snack and can be used as an ingredient for a number of other meal options.
(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?
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...)
