Costa Rican Meal

What to try something new, fresh, and delicious. Try this authentic Costa Rican meal of Gallo Pinto, Heart of Palm ceviche, with Plantain chips. It's absolutely amazing. My parents went on a trip to Costa Rica and came back missing the food. So I made them some. Now it's a desired meal in my household.

Ingredients

Black Bean Rice

- 1 Can Black Bean

- 1/2 cup Red Onion

- 1 cup dry Rice

- 1/2 cup Cilantro

- 1 large Bell Pepper (Three bottom bumps preferred, better for cooking)

- 3 Cloves Garlic

Ceviche

- 1 Jar Heart of Palms

- 2 Roma Tomato

- 1/4 cup Jalapeno

- 3/4 cup Red Onion

- 1/2 cup Cilantro

- 1 Large Orange or Yellow Bell Pepper (Four bottom bumps preferred, sweeter and better for eating raw.)

- 3 Limes

- 1 tsp Salt

- 1 tsp Black Pepper

Plantain Chips

- 3 Green Plantains

- Salt

- Spray oil (optional)

Directions

Black Bean Rice

1. Cook rice according to package

2. Chop onions, garlic, and bell pepper.

3. Heat a saute pan to medium heat and add chopped ingredients with a dash of water. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add rice and slightly drained can of beans, you want to keep some of the liquid to moisten your rice.

5. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. You want the rice to be thick and stick together.

6. Mix in chopped cilantro and enjoy

Ceviche

1. Chop vegetables ingredients into medium chunks and transfer into a large bowl.

2. Juice limes and pour onto vegetables, add salt, cilantro, and pepper. Give it a good mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.

3. Chill and enjoy!

Plantain Chips

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line a pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Boil water in a small sauce pan.

3. Peel and chop plantains into medium chunks, about 1/2 inch in thickness.

4. In small batches, blanch plantain slices for 2-3 minutes, until soft.

5. Place on baking sheet, smash each piece with a flat bottomed cup or potato masher. Just flatten them, but don't completely break them apart.

6. Sprinkle with salt and spray with oil if you want. I like mine without, but the oil makes it a tad crunchier.

7. Serve and enjoy!