Sopa negra, or Costa Rican black bean soup is a simple, comforting, and creamy dish from the southern region of Costa Rica.
Central American Recipes
Central America includes 7 countries and many islands. This tropical isthmus, connecting North and South America is home to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. In this region you find a heavy use of corn, cassava, beans, and tropical fruits made into dishes that create rich, delightful flavor combinations.
Join us as we explore recipes from Central America!
Patacones are fried green plantain slices that are served as a side dish with most meals in Costa Rica.
Güirilas are sweet corn pancake made with fresh corn and served with a side of cuajada, fresh cheese, and sour cream.
Catrachas (or catrachitas) is a recipe for crispy corn tortillas smothered with homemade refried beans and topped with grated cheese.
Sopa de Capirotadas is a traditional, inexpensive and delicious Honduran soup, made with cornmeal and cheese dumplings.
Carimañolas are delicious cassava meat pies that have a crispy crust but are soft and creamy when you bite into them. The filling is a flavorful stew of meat and vegetables.
Costa Rican chifrijo is a layered dish of tender beans topped with chicharrón (pork belly), and chimichurri, served with tortilla chips.
Guatemalan Shucos are prepared with toasted bread and guacamole which makes them different from any traditional American hot dog.
Sopa borracha (drunken soup) from Panama is neither a soup nor a savory recipe. It is a delicious, sweet, rum cake dessert.
Gallo pinto is a Costa Rican and Nicaraguan dish of rice and beans cooked with peppers and onions.
Casamiento is the Salvadoran version of the ever-popular combination of rice and beans. Easy to put together and so versatile, you can serve this with anything!
Pan de coco is a dairy free coconut bread from Honduras.
Quesadilla Salvadoreña is a gluten-free cheese pound cake that is enjoyed throughout El Salvador with a cup a coffee for breakfast or as a snack.
Keep warm with this Guatemalan Atolillo. A comforting, creamy, hot beverage (similar to atole) that is made with rice and spiced with cinnamon.
Guacho de mariscos, is a traditional seafood stew recipe from Panama. It is a hearty dish of rice, vegetables, and your favorite seafood medley.
Baleadas are a Honduran street food made up of a thick flour tortilla filled with re-fried beans and cheese.
Indio Viejo is a thick and hearty Nicaraguan beef stew made with corn tortillas and tender shredded meat.
Honduran enchiladas are made in the style of a tostada. Crispy corn tortillas, piled with meat, veggies, cheese, and eggs create this delicious street food.