Today I want to tell you how to prepare a traditional dish from Costa Rican cuisine: Chifrijo. This dish is made with white rice, beans, and pork cracklings, with variations that may include pork meat. It is served in small bowls or individual plates and accompanied by a “Pico de...

Chifrijo recipe
Prep Time
2hr 0min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
3hr

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = One bowl of Chifrijo)

Main Ingredients

  • cubaces beans
    cubaces beans
    200g
  • rice
    rice
    1cup
  • sweet pepper
    sweet pepper
    1
  • bay leaves
    bay leaves
    3
  • celery
    celery
    1
  • grated carrot
    grated carrot
    1
  • Pico de Gallo salsa
    Pico de Gallo salsa
    1cup
  • fried corn tortillas, cut into triangles
    fried corn tortillas, cut into triangles
    4
  • pork cracklings, cut into pieces
    pork cracklings, cut into pieces
    250g

Seasonings

  • Oregano
    Oregano
  • Cumin
    Cumin
  • Thyme
    Thyme
  • Salt
    Salt
  • Pepper
    Pepper

How to make Chifrijo

Prepare the Beans

  1. Step 1

    Wash the beans and soak them for a few hours.

  2. Step 2

    Cook the beans in boiling water with oregano, celery, thyme, salt, pepper, and cumin until tender.

Cook the Rice

  1. Step 1

    Boil 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water, sweet pepper, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.

  2. Step 2

    Halfway through cooking, add the grated carrot.

Assemble the Dish

  1. Step 1

    In individual bowls or small casseroles, layer the ingredients starting with a portion of beans with their broth.

  2. Step 2

    Add the rice and top with a serving of pork cracklings.

  3. Step 3

    Finish by covering everything with a bit of Pico de Gallo salsa.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

427.5kcal (21.38%)

Protein

19.1g (38.26%)

Carbs

37.5g (13.65%)

Sugars

2.1g (4.26%)

Healthy Fat

14.1g

Unhealthy Fat

7.6g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Soaking the beans beforehand reduces cooking time and enhances their texture.

  2. You can use pre-made pork cracklings to save time, but homemade ones offer a fresher taste.

  3. Serve the dish warm for the best flavor experience.

  4. Add sliced avocado, Tabasco sauce, or jalapeño pepper for extra flavor and variation.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of beans?

    Yes, you can substitute cubaces beans with other types of beans like black beans or red beans, but the flavor may vary slightly.

  2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

    Yes, you can replace the pork cracklings with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and the dish will still be flavorful.

  3. How can I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

  4. What is Pico de Gallo salsa?

    Pico de Gallo is a fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, sweet peppers, and lime juice.

  5. Can I use store-bought tortillas?

    Yes, store-bought tortillas work perfectly. Just fry them until crispy and cut them into triangles.

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