Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:27:24 +0000

This One Trick Will Turn Every Meal Into a Costa Rican Culinary Experience If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your daily meals into vibrant, authentic Costa Rican cuisine, the secret lies in a simple yet powerful culinary technique: embracing casados—Costa Rica’s beloved mixed lunches—and mastering the art of vibrant, plant-forward flavors. This one trick alone transforms ordinary dinners into a taste of Central America’s heart and soul. ### What Is a Carlos or Casado?
A casado (pronounced cah-SAH-doh) is a staple of Costa Rican home cooking, typically featuring a protein (like chicken, fish, or black beans), a rice base, plantain or yucca, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, bright salsa verde or roe (a creamy avocado-tomato sauce). Originating in rural farming communities, this balanced, filling meal reflects Costa Rica’s pura vida philosophy—simplicity, freshness, and nourishment. ### Why This Trick Works
By standardizing your cooking around casado, you instantly embrace Costa Rica’s most iconic dish. Here’s why it transforms every meal: