Several readers have requested that I post some Costa Rican recipes. There are so many dishes that I enjoy, but I will attempt to name a few that Tezzy and I would consider our favorites.
Let’s start with Gallo Pinto, the national dish of Costa Rica. Consisting of beans and rice, Gallo Pinto is usually served with eggs, a crispy slice of queso frito (fried white cheese), plantains, sliced avocado, corn tortillas, and a cup of delicious Costa Rican coffee.
Most locals eat Gallo Pinto for breakfast, but it is delicious all day long. Tezzy has learned to prepare a very tasty Gallo Pinto dish as well as many others, including Casado, Olla Carne, and Ceviche—just to name a few.
Gallo Pinto Recipe (Receta Gallo Pinto)
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice, cooked
- 2 cups black beans, cooked, with ¾ cup liquid reserved
- 1 small red pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup salsa Lizano (a Costa Rican condiment; Worcestershire sauce is a fine substitute)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Preparation
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté peppers and onions until peppers are soft and onions are translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the cooked beans, reserved cooking liquid, and salsa Lizano, stirring to combine. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Stir in the cooked rice and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Stir in chopped cilantro. Season to taste with additional salsa Lizano.
Our Favorite Restaurants
In Grecia
Arte Latte Restaurant
Mas Que Sabor
La Jardines Vivero Café Restaurant
La Casa de Miguel
La Esquina Cervecera Sports Bar
Casa Nosstra Restaurant
La Café Delicias
Restaurant Cinco 20
Soda La Tica
Soda #3 Sazon Griego Soda
Beyond Grecia
Rivera Restaurante in Noranjo
Pomodoro E. Mozzarella Pizzeria in Noranjo
Señor Harry’s in Jaco
Furama Restaurant at the Riu Hotel Guanacaste
El Avion Restaurant in Manuel Antonio/Quepos
Restaurante Vista Del Mar in Cahuita
Soda Kawe in Cahuita
