If you consider conventional Costa Rican delicacies, likelihood is that one dish instantly involves thoughts: chifrijos. 

Chifrijos, coming from the phrases  “chifri” and “frijol,” which interprets to “beans with pork,” is a staple at many eating places in Costa Rica, and it’s beloved by locals and vacationers alike. 

This straightforward but traditional dish is historically made with 4 parts: crimson kidney beans, chicharrones (or pork stomach), chimichurri, and rice.

• Energy: 567 Energy
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
• Protein: 11 grams
• Fats: 49 grams

Chifrijo Substances

Chicharrones

Chicharrones are fried pork stomach seasoned with conventional central American spices (we’re utilizing cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.) They offer the chifrijos a crunchy texture and wealthy taste. Pork stomach is a historically used protein on this area of the world, however rooster, beef, and even crispy tofu can be utilized as an alternative. 

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a traditional Central and South American condiment much like salsa. This sauce provides the right steadiness of acidity and brightness to the chifrijos. Conventional components embody garlic, parsley, crimson wine vinegar, oregano, olive oil, and salt. You may regulate the seasoning by including kind of of every ingredient.

Purple Kidney Beans

Purple kidney beans are a staple in Costa Rican delicacies and supply an important fiber and protein supply. You should use canned crimson kidney beans or dry beans cooked in line with package deal directions.

White Rice

White rice is the normal facet for chifrijos; it gives a base on which all different parts are layered. It’s additionally an important supply of advanced carbohydrates and might simply be substituted with the next protein different akin to quinoa. Alternatively, this dish is usually served with fried potatoes. 

Further Toppings

Chifrijos are historically served with avocado, bitter cream, or cilantro. You may add different toppings like diced tomatoes, pickled radishes, or onions. Including these further toppings creates extra of a meal-like expertise and provides further taste. 

How To Make Chifrijo

Step 1

Begin with prepping your chicharrones. 

Reduce your pork stomach into cubes and season with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this sit for as much as an hour if in case you have time to let the seasoning marinate.

Then, warmth the oil in a skillet and add the seasoned pork stomach items as soon as scorching. 

Fry for about quarter-hour or till the insides are not pink. 

As soon as completed, take away from the oil with a slotted spoon. 

Step 2

Whereas the chicharrones are within the oven, you can also make the chimichurri sauce. 

Mix garlic, parsley, (each chopped), crimson wine vinegar, oregano, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Combine till all components are mixed and your sauce is prepared.

Step 3

Cook dinner or heat your rice and beans as per the packaging. 

I used canned beans as a result of they’re fast to prep (they’re additionally excessive in protein). 

I simply drain and rinse them for one of the best texture and consistency (this additionally reduces the sodium within the dish).

Step 4

It’s time to assemble your chifrijos! 

Start layering cooked rice, crimson kidney beans, and crispy chicharrones on a plate or shallow bowl. 

Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over your chifrijos. Add further salt if wanted.

Customizations

Swap the Protein

Strive Completely different Toppings

• Be at liberty so as to add different toppings like diced tomatoes, pickled radishes, onions, dried plantains, and extra. 
• You may add a pre-made salsa or chimichurri sauce for even faster prep.
• Add scorching sauce to make this dish spicy

Make It Meat-Free

How To Retailer & Meal Prep: 

• Chifrijos are nice for meal prepping! Merely put together the parts and layer them in a container earlier than refrigerating. If you’re able to eat, heat up the chifrijos within the microwave and high with desired toppings. 
• You may retailer the prepped dish within the fridge for as much as 4 days in hermetic containers.

Learn Subsequent:

Cuban Fashion Rice with Fried Eggs and Bananas

Mango Martini