Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class and Meal With a Modern Twist

Discover the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica in a traditional cooking class that puts a modern spin on classic dishes. Led by skilled chef Melissa, you will dive into the art of balancing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients as they prepare beloved meals like Casado and ceviche. The class culminates in a shared feast, where customizable mango and avocado salsa and sweet plantains for dessert offer a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage. With insights into Costa Rican culture woven throughout, this hands-on experience promises to transport you beyond the plate.

About Your Stay

• Immersive cooking class led by a local chef-host in the Playa Jaco neighborhood, showcasing authentic Costa Rican dishes with a modern spin.
• Hands-on preparation of classic Costa Rican staples like Casado, ceviche, and picadillo, while learning techniques and flavor profiles.
• Opportunity to customize dishes like mango and avocado salsa, allowing participants to explore the versatility of Costa Rican cuisine.
• Shared home-cooked meal experience featuring vegetarian and vegan options, accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages and insights into Costa Rican culture.
• Memorable dessert of sweet, caramelized plantains, rounding out the culinary journey and highlighting the diverse flavors of Costa Rica.

Experience Overview

This traditional Costa Rican cooking class takes place in Playa Jaco and lasts for 2 hours.

It’s a private lesson with chef-host Melissa, offering a choice of afternoon or evening start times.

The meal includes non-alcoholic beverages and features authentic dishes like casado, ceviche, mango and avocado salsa, and picadillo, along with cooked sweet plantains for dessert.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.

The home-cooked meal, bottled water, coffee, and tea are all included, as are taxes, fees, and gratuities.

Guests meet at Melissa’s home in the La Flor neighborhood, then return there at the end of the experience.

Menu Highlights

The menu for this traditional Costa Rican cooking class features a delightful array of authentic dishes.

The main course options include the classic Casado, a flavorful chicken dish served with rice, black beans, and salsa. The ceviche, a refreshing seafood dish cured in citrus, is another highlight. Rounding out the savory options are the mango and avocado salsa, and the aromatic picadillo stew.

For dessert, guests can indulge in the sweet and caramelized cooked plantains. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available upon request, ensuring an inclusive dining experience.

The variety of flavors and cooking techniques provides an immersive cultural journey through Costa Rican cuisine.

Cooking Class Structure

The cooking class begins with a warm welcome from the chef-host, Melissa, who invites guests into her home in the La Flor neighborhood of Jaco Beach.

Melissa guides participants through the preparation of traditional Costa Rican dishes, including the national dish Casado, ceviche, and a fragrant picadillo stew.

Guests actively participate in the cooking process, learning techniques and flavors under Melissa’s expert instruction.

The class culminates in a shared home-cooked meal, with participants enjoying the fruits of their labor accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages.

Throughout the experience, Melissa shares insights into Costa Rican culture and cuisine, making this a truly immersive and authentic culinary adventure.

Preparing Casado

As Melissa leads the class through the preparation of traditional Costa Rican dishes, she begins with the national dish, Casado. She explains that Casado consists of rice, black beans, salsa, and a protein, typically chicken or fish.

Melissa demonstrates how to make the flavorful chicken in salsa, simmering the meat in a blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Participants follow along, learning the techniques to achieve the perfect balance of savory and tangy notes.

Melissa emphasizes the importance of using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to capture the authentic taste of Costa Rican cuisine. As the class works together, the aroma of the simmering Casado fills the air, whetting their appetites for the delicious meal to come.

Creating Ceviche

Next, Melissa guides the class through the preparation of traditional Costa Rican ceviche. She explains that ceviche is a popular seafood dish where the fish or shrimp is "cooked" in citrus juice rather than heat. The class begins chopping the fresh catch of the day and mixing it with lime, onion, cilantro, and a hint of spice.

Step	Action	Ingredient
1	Dice	Fresh fish or shrimp
2	Squeeze	Lime juice
3	Finely chop	Red onion, cilantro

The ceviche is then allowed to marinate, letting the citrus "cook" the seafood to perfection. Melissa shares tips on sourcing the freshest catch and balancing the flavors. Soon, the class is savoring the bright, tangy ceviche, a true taste of the Costa Rican coast.

Mango and Avocado Salsa

After showcasing the classic ceviche, Melissa turns her attention to another beloved Costa Rican dish – mango and avocado salsa.

She expertly dices ripe mangoes and creamy avocados, blending them with onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of spice. The result is a vibrant, refreshing salsa that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the casado and picadillo.

Melissa encourages participants to get hands-on, allowing them to customize the salsa to their desired texture and level of heat.

The sweet and savory combination of the mango and avocado creates a harmonious balance, exemplifying the bright, tropical essence of Costa Rican cuisine.

Savory Picadillo Stew

The fragrant picadillo stew is a hearty, slow-simmered dish that showcases the depth of Costa Rican cuisine. Loaded with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 lb
Potatoes	2 cups, diced
Carrots	1 cup, diced
Onion	1 medium, diced
Garlic	3 cloves, minced
Tomatoes	1 can, diced
Beef broth	2 cups
Spices	Cumin, oregano, salt, pepper

This traditional picadillo is a beloved staple in Costa Rican households, often served over rice or accompanied by freshly made tortillas. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to delight the senses.

Dessert: Sweet Plantains

Costa Rican cuisine doesn’t stop at the savory picadillo stew.

After the main dishes, the cooking class wraps up with a sweet and comforting dessert – cooked sweet plantains.

These ripe plantains are gently fried until caramelized, creating a delightful contrast of soft, sweet flesh and crispy, golden-brown exterior.

The plantains are often served with a dollop of fresh cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, adding an extra layer of richness and flavor.

This classic Costa Rican dessert is the perfect way to end the meal, leaving guests with a satisfying taste of the country’s vibrant and diverse culinary traditions.

Questions About Your Stay

Is Transportation to and From the Class Provided?

Yes, the experience includes complimentary transportation to and from the meeting point. Guests are picked up from their hotels or nearby locations and dropped off after the cooking class and meal.

Can the Class Accommodate Large Group Sizes?

The class can accommodate large groups, as it’s a private experience tailored to your group’s size. Melissa, the chef-host, can adjust the menu and experience to suit a larger party.

Is There an Option to Extend the Class Duration?

The cooking class offers a private lesson, but the standard duration is 2 hours. However, guests can inquire about extending the class length if they’d like more time to learn and prepare the Costa Rican dishes.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class has a casual, relaxed dress code. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, as you will be actively involved in food preparation. There’s no need for formal attire – just dress for a hands-on, fun cooking experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Dishes That Can Be Prepared?

The cooking class offers a flexible menu with vegetarian and vegan options available upon request. While the core dishes are traditional Costa Rican cuisine, the chef can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences to personalize the experience.

Final Verdict On This Stay

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Costa Rican cuisine during this hands-on cooking class. Master the art of balancing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients as you prepare classic dishes like Casado and ceviche. Enjoy a shared feast featuring customizable mango and avocado salsa and sweet plantains, while gaining insights into the country’s rich culinary traditions.