Casado is a popular Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, meat, salad, and tortillas or plantains. It is commonly served in small neighborhood restaurants and can be customized with various meat and salad options. The name “casado” loosely translates to “married” and may refer to the combination of ingredients. Vegetarian options and desserts are also available.
A casado is a type of meal common in Costa Rica. Rice, beans, some type of meat, and a salad are the usual items in this meal. Typically these items are served together on one plate. Meal is particularly associated with small, reasonably priced neighborhood restaurants called soda pop but is now also found in a wide variety of restaurants and settings. Restaurants usually offer a choice of meat to diners who order a casado.
The word “casado” is loosely translated to mean “married.” One explanation often offered for the dish’s name is that the presentation “marries” many foods together. Another common suggestion is that this type of meal is typical of what might be served to a married man coming home for lunch.
Rice is a very common staple in Costa Rica, served with most meals. It is often accompanied by black beans. In a casado the rice and beans may be served separately or they may be made into gallo pinto, another common Costa Rican dish. Gallo Pinto is made by frying rice and black beans together.
The meat for a casado can take many forms. Very common is chicken or beef, typically grilled or boiled and served with a sauce or dressing. Fish, especially fried fish, is also often served. Fried or barbecued chicken are also possible choices. Some restaurants will offer dishes such as lasagna or a meat-based soup as one of the options for the meat portion of the meal.
As with meat, salads can take many forms. It can be sliced tomatoes or sliced tomatoes with lettuce. Another possibility is cabbage and tomato salad, as well as sliced beets or cucumbers. Costa Rican picadillos are sometimes used – these are mixtures of seasoned vegetables and meat. Food in Costa Rica is typically not very spicy and these are more strongly flavored with garlic, cumin and coriander than chiles or pepper.
Fresh corn tortillas are often served on a casado, as are fried or baked plantains. Plantains are a non-sweet variety of banana that must be cooked before eating. Mashed potatoes or pasta can be served in place of the plantains, and fresh cheeses are another frequent addition to the meal.
Many restaurants offer not only a choice of meats, but other items to complement the dish. For this reason, a casado is often recommended for those with dietary restrictions. Sometimes vegetarian versions are offered. Beverages, often fresh juices, and desserts are sometimes included.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
