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.
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/
Yuca Fries RecipeBy Steve PageHave you ever had Yuca Fries?
Making french fries in Costa Rica is challenging because most potatoes are small. Yuca is a great alternative to the potato. They are a common vegetable throughout Central America making them extremely affordable in Costa Rica. The yuca fries have a slightly different texture and taste than the standard potato variety and we prefer them with many dishes. Seasoned Chili Yuca Fries make a great snack or the perfect bar-b-que side.
These Seasoned Chili Yuca Fries bring a little spice to the standard fry. Since they are baked they use a fraction of the oil making them a healthier option than the traditional deep-fried version. A great side for grill night or a snack while watching the game. Your family is sure to love these savory treats.
Tip: We prefer our Seasoned Chili Yuca Fries to be very crispy so we leave them in the oven a bit longer. If you prefer softer fries add these additional steps:
1. PRIOR TO SEASONING, boil the cut yuca pieces in a pot of water for 10 minutes.
2. Adjust cook time to 15 minutes on each side.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/
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.
Red & Black BeansBy Steve PageRed & Black Beans - Instant Pot is basically a simple combination of the red bean and black bean recipes. We use this recipe often, as we like the color combination. When using red & black beans on tostadas or in beans and rice the two colors help give the dish a better presentation and appealing to the eye. Oh, and they taste great too!
Using the instant pot reduces the cook time and saves on energy while creating perfect been firmness. Red & Black Beans - Instant Pot is another extremely affordable recipe that takes minimal time to cook. In addition, it makes a large amount, which is great! It is always nice to have some ready for another meal or two.
Rice – Instant PotBy Steve PageRice is very simple and is one of the most frequent things we cook. Rice is a staple in Costa Rica and is included in one form or another in every casado (typical Costa Rican plate). It is used to make Arroz Con Pollo and Gallo Pinto, as well as in soups. Although you can make these dishes with fresh rice, it is common to make large batches and add the leftover rice to meals over the next few days. Gallo Pinto is almost always made with rice that was cooked a day or two prior.
Using the electric pressure cooker reduces cook time and saves energy while creating perfect sticky rice firmness. Rice - Electric Pressure Cooker is another extremely affordable recipe that takes minimal time to cook. In addition, it makes a large amount for use in other meals. This recipe will produce approximately ten servings of plain rice.
