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Costa Rican Main Dish Recipes

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Recipes from Costa Rica Costa Rican Food Recipess Recipes from Costa Rica
Recipes from Costa Rica Costa Rican Food Recipess Recipes from Costa Rica from www.recipesfromcostarica.com
Costa Rican cuisine is a reflection of its diverse culture and geography. The country boasts of a wide range of dishes that incorporate fresh produce, seafood, and meat. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Costa Rican main dishes that you can easily recreate at home.

Gallo Pinto

Gallo Pinto is a traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish that is also served as a main meal. It is a combination of rice and beans, cooked with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. This dish is usually served with fried plantains, eggs, and sour cream. Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of cooked white rice
  • 1 cup of cooked black beans
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tsp of cumin powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
Equipment:
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
Method:
  1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and red bell pepper, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  3. Add the cooked rice and black beans, and stir until well combined.
  4. Add the cumin powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
  5. Cook for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is heated through.
  6. Serve hot with fried plantains, eggs, and sour cream.
Notes: Gallo Pinto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Nutrition Info: Calories: 250 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 200mg | Total Carbohydrates: 38g | Dietary Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Protein: 8g Recipe Tips: You can use any type of beans for this dish. You can also add chopped cilantro or green onions for extra flavor.

Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo is a classic Costa Rican one-pot meal that combines chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices. This dish is full of flavor and is perfect for a family dinner. Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs of chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups of white rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 tsp of cumin powder
  • 1 tsp of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
Equipment:
  • Dutch oven or large pot with a lid
  • Wooden spoon
Method:
  1. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  5. Add the rice and stir to coat with the vegetable mixture.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
  7. Add the browned chicken pieces back to the pot and stir to combine.
  8. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes: Arroz con Pollo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Nutrition Info: Calories: 450 | Total Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 600mg | Total Carbohydrates: 38g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Protein: 30g Recipe Tips: You can add other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn to this dish. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.

Ceviche

Ceviche is a popular seafood dish in Costa Rica that is made with fresh raw fish, shrimp, or other seafood, marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro. Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb of fresh raw fish, shrimp, or other seafood
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 tsp of black pepper
Equipment:
  • Sharp knife
  • Bowl
  • Spoon
Method:
  1. Cut the raw fish or seafood into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
  2. Add the sliced red onion, chopped bell peppers, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
  3. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, and stir to combine.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fish is fully cooked by the acid in the lime juice.
  5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or over a bed of lettuce.
Notes: Ceviche is best served fresh and should not be stored for more than a day. Nutrition Info: Calories: 150 | Total Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 600mg | Total Carbohydrates: 10g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Protein: 20g Recipe Tips: You can add other ingredients such as diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or mango for a different twist. You can also use cooked shrimp or crab if you prefer.

Tamales

Tamales are a staple food in Costa Rica and are usually served during holidays and special occasions. They consist of a cornmeal dough, filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, and steamed in banana leaves. Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of masa harina (cornmeal dough)
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 cup of vegetable shortening
  • 2 lbs of cooked pork or chicken, shredded
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup of tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp of cumin powder
  • 1 tsp of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Banana leaves, cut into 12-inch squares
Equipment:
  • Large pot with a steaming rack

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