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.
Camote Sweet Potatoes Casserole With Marshmallows: Costa Rican StyleBy Nikki PageBestselling Cookbook authors Steve & Nikki go head to head to see who can make the best Thanksgiving side dish. Both Costa Rican Camote dishes were served in Costa Rica at the annual Tamarindo Church Thanksgiving dinner? The vote is in. Learn how they made the dishes and who the winner is.
Fried PlantainBy Nikki PageSince plantains take little preparation, they make a great snack. Delicious fried plantains also work great for dessert. Topping desserts with fried plantains is a great way to add flavor. Try topping your bowl of vanilla ice cream with a few pieces of some warm, bright-colored, sweet, fried plantain. Use your imagination to create some delicious, colorful creations of your own.
We typically use a small amount of coconut oil to fry our plantains. This keeps the nutrition value high and the fat and calories low.
Tip: We included the option to add sugar; however, we recommend trying them without sugar the first time. We usually do not add sugar. On occasion, we will add sugar for our guests visiting from the U.S., as they typically are accustomed to sugar being added to everything.
Black Beans with Thyme – Electric Pressure CookerBy Nikki 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 pico de gallo, a signature dish of Costa Rica. Black beans that have been refried (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...)Gluten Free- Fried Spaghetti with Sour Cream SauceBy Nikki PageLooking for a delicious fried spaghetti recipe with creamy cream sauce? You just found it. Packed with vegetables to add color, flavor, and nutrients, the creamy sauce and soft pasta will satisfy your cravings.Pasta & Vegetables In White SauceBy Nikki PagePasta and Vegetables in White Sauce is a delicious dish that incorporates some vegetables that are frequently overlooked. Eggplant and zucchini add flavor and nutrients to this dish along with splashes of color. The bright vegetables and creamy sauce will have your mouth watering anticipating the delicious flavors to come.
Tip: For a gluten-free option, simply replace the standard pasta with a gluten-free variety and cook as instructed.
Chayote – Mirliton SquashBy Steve PageChayote Mirliton Squash is a fruit even though it tastes like vegetables. Chayote is a very common vegetable in typical Costa Rican cuisine. It can be found in many variations of casado, as a side in one form or another. You will often see it as a basic vegetable side, mixed in salads, or even made into a pickled relish. Chayote can be used in soups or other dishes to add nutrients and substance and is very versatile.
Chayote - mirliton squash, however, does not offer a whole lot when it comes to flavor. It does not taste bad by any means, but rather has a very subtle flavor. Use chayote - mirliton squash to help dilute over-spiced dishes, or as a filler that will not overpower other ingredients.
Chayote - boasts great health benefits. Since it doesn’t contain cholesterol or unhealthy fats, it is often recommended for controlling cholesterol levels and weight loss. In addition, chayote is a great source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and choline.
Health benefits of Chayote - Mirliton Squash include:
1. Digestive Health - due to the high fiber content.
2. Aids Weight Loss - with high water content only 38.6 calories and 0.1 grams of fat.
3. Helps Preserve Female Fertility - through an abundant amount of folate.
4. Helps Prevent Cancer - with antioxidant that helps fight free radicals.
5. Maintain A Healthy Metabolism - with the trace mineral potassium.
6. Improve Immune System - through the trace mineral zinc.
7. Helps Develop Strong Bones- with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.Fried SpaghettiBy Nikki PageIf you are looking for a light meal that really hits the spot, make sure you try this Fried Spaghetti. It works great for a quick easy dinner or lunch. It is also a great alternative to standard boiled noodles with sauces. The fried spaghetti noodles offer a different texture and the fresh tomatoes and onions top it off nicely, to complete the dish. 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.
