Costa Rica

Olla de carne is a Costa Rican hearty stew composed of beef ribs, squash, corn, sweet potato, chayote, and a handful of herbs and spices. It is commonly served with a side of white rice and flour tortillas. Literally translated as a pot of meat, olla de carne is traditionally slow-cooked over an open flame for …

Rompope is a dairy-based alcoholic drink similar to eggnog made using milk, sugar, spices, egg yolks, vanilla and rum. The milk and sugar are heated up to infuse with the spices. The egg yolks are beaten first, before adding into the milk mixture and the alcohol is added last. Rompope is most often associated with …

Chorreadas is a type of pancake from Costa Rica made of ground corn or corn flour, milk and eggs. This dish is often served with sweet or savory toppings. Chorreadas’ few simple ingredients make it an ideal breakfast or snack between meals.  Traditional Chorreadas recipes call for only three ingredients and are best made with …

Gallo Pinto is a traditional breakfast dish of both Costa Rica and Nicaragua made up of black beans and rice with a primary seasoning of Lizano sauce (popularly known as Salsa Lizano). Gallo pinto means “spotted rooster” in Spanish which originates from the speckled appearance that results from cooking white rice with black beans.  Worcestershire …

Chifrijo is a Costa Rican dish consisting mainly of stewed beans, white rice, pork chicharron and pico de gallo. The items are cooked separately then combined and served in the same bowl. Typical accompaniments are tortillas or corn chips, avocados and lime wedges. While different types of beans may be used, the original dish used …

Obleas are round wafers that are light brown in color that are popular throughout Latin America, and Colombia in particular where they are said to have originated. They are usually spread with Colombian caramel called arequipe and topped with cheese, jams, sprinkles or fruits. Obleas are also very popular among Latin American countries such as …

Like many of their neighbors in Central America, many dishes in Costa Rica are based around white rice and black beans as a base. Which may stand mostly on its own or may add some shredded meat, fried veggies, or tasty broth. While these seem like simple ingredients at first glance, they can be combined …