Cuisine : Casado - how to prepare this Costa Rican dish

 

Casado is a traditional Costa Rican meal that typically includes rice, black beans, a choice of meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish), plantains, and a salad. Here's how to make this flavorful and hearty dish:

**Ingredients:**

- 2 cups of cooked white rice

- 1 cup of cooked black beans (or red beans)

- 1 pound of your choice of meat (chicken, beef, fish, or pork), cooked and seasoned to your liking

- 2 ripe plantains, sliced and fried

- 1 cup of cabbage, thinly sliced

- 1 tomato, sliced

- 1/2 cup of cooked carrots, diced

- 1/2 cup of cooked squash or other vegetables (optional)

- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional condiments like Salsa Lizano or chimichurri sauce

**Instructions:**

1. Start by cooking the rice and beans separately. You can use canned beans for convenience or cook dried beans according to package instructions. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans if you're using canned ones.

2. Cook the meat of your choice (chicken, beef, fish, or pork) and season it to your liking. It can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed. Slice or shred it into portions suitable for serving.

3. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

4. Fry the plantains in the hot oil until they are golden and slightly caramelized. Remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. In the same pan, sauté the cabbage, carrots, and any other optional vegetables until they become tender.

6. To serve Casado, start by placing a portion of cooked rice on the plate.

7. Next, add a portion of cooked beans on the plate alongside the rice.

8. Arrange a portion of the cooked meat on the plate.

9. Add the fried plantains to the plate.

10. Place the sliced tomato on the side.

11. Lastly, garnish with the sautéed vegetables and serve with your choice of condiments, such as Salsa Lizano or chimichurri sauce.

12. Season your Casado with salt and pepper to taste.

Casado is a versatile dish, and you can adapt it to your taste by choosing your preferred meat and vegetables. It's a satisfying and delicious representation of Costa Rican cuisine. Enjoy!