How to make Casado Costa Rican Lunch Plate

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Lentils are high in protein and cook faster.

plantains

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: bananas

Sweet potatoes offer similar sweetness and texture.

meat (chicken, beef, or fish)

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu is plant-based and lower in calories.

salsa

🥗Healthier: fresh pico de gallo

💰Cheaper: store-bought salsa

Pico de gallo uses fresh ingredients with less sodium.

Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and crushed garlic.

In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat and cook the pork chops as desired on each side.

Deglaze the skillet by adding 1/2 cup beef broth and bring to a boil. Let reduce to 1/3 cup and set aside.

In a separate frying pan, fry the plantain slices in a bit of oil until golden-brown.

Prepare the salad by combining the grated carrot and tomato slices. Season with salt, pepper, and vinaigrette; set aside.

Cover four large plates with banana leaves and place the prepared portions side-by-side: one pork chop with a little salsa for each dish, with a serving of fried plantains to the side, followed by salad, rice, beans, one fried or hard-boiled egg, and some slices of queso fresco. Ensure plenty of tortillas are ready.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens