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.
Fried Egg SandwichBy Taya PageEgg sandwiches are a quick and easy way to prepare a hot lunch. These delicious delights are satiating and although they are fried, they are still fairly nutritious.
Note: Although we prefer white bread, whole grain bread is a healthier choice. There are several bakeries and many supermercado that offer a wide selection of bread options. For a little variety, you can also substitute a tortilla for the bread.
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/
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/
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.