Costa Rica seems to be one of those hot destinations right now for study abroaders, honeymooners, and anyone looking for an affordable, fun vacation. I have never been but thought I would give their cuisine a try for Friday lunch. Here was our menu all done without a kitchen stove:
- Gallo Pinto (done via microwave)
- Fried plantains (via toaster oven)
- Roasted Chicken (via grocery store)
- Pineapple
- Chips and salsa
- Coconut, chocolate chip cookies – ok, not quite Costa Rican and definitely made with a stove thanks to a recent alum that came by.
GALLO PINTO
Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 3 boi-in-bag rice
- 1/2 cup diced onion with 1 tsp oil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- season salt to taste
Directions
- microwave rice according to directions
- microwave beans for 2 minutes in bowl
- microwave onions in oil for 2 minutes
- mix all ingredients and add salt for taste
FRIED PLANTAINS
Ingredients
- 3 plantains cut length-wise and in half
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- season salt to taste
Directions
- spread olive oil on roasting pan
- set toaster oven to 425 degrees
- brush plantains with olive oil
- sprinkle with salt
- place plantains down on roasting pan
- cook in toaster oven for 15 to 2o minutes; skins should come off easily

I had to put this one in…we thought we had an earthquake during lunch but it was actually a military maneuver too close to the coast. At least I got to practice my earthquake preparedness!