Casado
- Holger Duarte Tobar
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 22
A traditional Costa Rican dish that offers a complete and balanced meal on one plate. The word "casado" translates to "married," reflecting the combination of various components that harmoniously come together to form this dish. It typically includes rice, black beans, plantains, a choice of protein (such as grilled chicken, beef, pork, or fish), a fresh salad, and sometimes a side of picadillo (a type of sautéed vegetable or root mash). Casado is a staple in Costa Rican households and is enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Rice:
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
For the Black Beans:
- 2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Plantains:
- 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
For the Protein:
- 1.5-2 lbs (700-900g) chicken breasts, beef steak, pork chops, or fish fillets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Sides:
- Picadillo (e.g., sautéed mixed vegetables, squash, or potato):
-*1-2 cups diced mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, chayote, or squash)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas (corn or flour)
- Sliced avocado
Instructions:
Preparing the Rice:
1. Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir to coat it with the oil. Pour in the water, add salt to taste, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Preparing the Black Beans:
2. Cook the Beans:
- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin and oregano, then add the cooked black beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Preparing the Plantains:
3. Fry the Plantains:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the plantain slices in a single layer.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and caramelized. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.
Preparing the Protein:
4. Cook the Protein:
- Season the chicken, beef, pork, or fish with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika (if using).
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the protein of choice for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Preparing the Salad:
5. Make the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber slices, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Preparing Optional Sides:
6. Prepare the Picadillo (if using):
- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the diced mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving the Casado:
7. Assemble the Plate:
- On each plate, serve a portion of white rice, black beans, fried plantains, and salad.
- Add a portion of the cooked protein and, if using, a serving of picadillo.
- Garnish with sliced avocado or serve with tortillas on the side.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Casado immediately, allowing diners to enjoy the variety of flavors and textures on the plate.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 kcal
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 70-80g
- Sugars: 10-12g (from plantains)
- Fiber: 10-12g
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 60-90 minutes
- Active Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40-60 minutes
Notes:
- Versatility: The protein in Casado can vary depending on preference or availability. Popular options include grilled chicken, steak, pork, or fish.
- Balanced Meal: Casado is designed to be a balanced meal, providing a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. It's filling and nutritious, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian Casado, you can substitute the meat with grilled tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables.
- Flavor Variations: While the core components of Casado remain consistent, the spices and seasonings can be adjusted to suit your taste. Some versions may include salsa Lizano, a popular Costa Rican condiment.
- Serving Style: Casado is typically served on a single plate with each component placed separately, allowing diners to mix and match flavors as they eat.
Casado is more than just a meal; it's a reflection of Costa Rican culture, emphasizing simplicity, balance, and fresh ingredients. Enjoying Casado offers a taste of the "Pura Vida" lifestyle, where food is meant to nourish both the body and the soul.
Comments