When you think of Costa Rican food what probably comes to mind is rice and beans. Well don’t knock it until you’ve tried it because rice and beans are a great combination and these two simple ingredients can be served in many different ways. Below are two favorites found in many homes, restaurants and other places to dine in Costa Rica.
Casado
What is Casado?
Casado is one of the most popular dishes in Costa Rica. In English Casado means ‘married’, every element on this dish marries perfectly together leaving your pallet satisfied.
The elements of Casado
There are five elements to this dish:
- Rice – any meal needs a good foundation and the role of the rice on this dish is to provide just that.
- Black Beans – the other four ingredients are very light, the beans provide some depth so even though you are eating a light dish, the stew like beans leave you satisfied.
- Protein – Like most meals, the star of this dish is the protein and on this plate most of the flavour comes from the meat or fish. Choose from chicken, meat, pork or fish.
- Plantain – the shallow fried plantains change the game. The first three elements combined leave most people satisfied however, plantain leaves your pallet with a slight sweet aftertaste which is unexpected at first but leaves you wanting another bite.
- Tortilla – what meal is complete without a side of tortilla? The tortilla acts as a pallet cleanser after the sweet taste of the plantain the tortilla neutralise the pallet, getting you ready for the next bit and experience all the flavours again.
- Salad – Salad is optional and a great side dish for this meal.
Casado works very well as a summer dish to enjoy outside for lunch or an evening meal because it’s light but satisfying. Just what you want on a hot day!
Gallo Pinto
What is Gallo Pinto?
Gallo Pinto is a traditional dish usually consumed at breakfast. Consisting of rice and black beans of course but this time both ingredients are cooked together in a pan with finely chopped onions and either yellow sweet pepper or red hot pepper. To this you add a tablespoon of salsa Lizano – wherever you go to eat in Costa Rica you will find a bottle of salsa Lizano on the table, this sauce plays a fundamental factor when flavouring many Costa Rican dishes.
How to serve Gallo Pinto?
To create a traditional healthy and energising breakfast, serve a side of gallo pinto along with a fried egg (or two) and a tortilla. Of course don’t forget a fresh brew of Costa Rican coffee to wash it all down with.
Salsa Lizano
