Costa Rican cuisine

Costa Rican cuisine is a blend of Native American, Spanish, African and many other cuisine origins. Dishes such as the very traditional tamale and many others made of corn are the most representative of its indigenous inhabitants, and similar to other neighboring Mesoamerican countries. Spaniards brought many new ingredients to the country from other lands, especially spices and domestic animals. And later in the 19th century, the African flavor lent its presence with influence from other Caribbean mixed flavors. This is how Costa Rican cuisine today is very varied, with every new ethnic group who had recently become part of the country's population influencing the country's cuisine.

History and influences

Costa Rican cuisine has a history that dates back to the indigenous people of the region, the Chorotega and the Boruca. These groups had a diet that was primarily based on corn, beans, and local fruits and vegetables. The Spanish conquest in the 16th century introduced new ingredients and cooking methods. The Spanish brought with them domestic animals, rice, wheat, and a variety of spices.

In the 19th century, the influence of African cuisine became more prominent. This was due to the influx of Jamaican workers who came to Costa Rica to work on the construction of the railroad. These workers brought with them their traditional Caribbean dishes, which often included coconut, plantains, and a variety of spices.

Traditional dishes

One of the most common dishes in Costa Rican cuisine is Gallo Pinto, which is a dish of black beans and rice. This dish is often served for breakfast, along with eggs or meat. Another popular dish is Casado, which consists of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla, and an optional entrée that may include chicken, beef, pork, fish and so on.

Tamales, a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (a starchy dough, usually corn-based), which is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper, is also very popular, especially during the Christmas holiday season.

Beverages

Coffee is a major part of Costa Rican cuisine and culture. Costa Rica is known for its high-quality, gourmet coffee beans. Other popular beverages include agua dulce, a warm, sweet drink made from raw sugar cane, and refrescos, a blended drink made with fresh fruit, water or milk, and sugar.

Desserts

Costa Rican desserts often include fruits, corn, and dairy products. Some popular desserts are tres leches cake, a cake soaked in three types of milk, and flan, a caramel custard.

See also

• Cuisine of Nicaragua
• Cuisine of Panama

References

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  Casado, a traditional Costa Rican meal

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  Typical Costa Rican breakfast

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  Chifrijo, a popular Costa Rican dish