Costa Rican Shrimp and Rice

We recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica it was our second visit to the Country the first time was about 10 years ago without children, its always been one of our favorite countries, its friendly, has wonderful and diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Its also easy to get around and you feel safe there, its very geared up for tourism particularly Eco tourism with many hotels having their own nature trails, guided walks and amazing surroundings full of wildlife. 

This simple recipe was inspired by lunch in Quepos, in a local restaurant this nice little town is close to Manual Antonio a must visit National park, full of monkeys, frogs, bats, crabs, sloths and so much more. 

One of the things I always do when traveling is visit local grocery stores and bring back local spices, the package of coloring/ spice is what I used for the rice and I am sure you will find something similar in the Hispanic part of the grocery store.

Ingredients:

• one package of rice coloring
• 2 cloves of garlic chopped.
• 1 1/2 cups of rice.
• 3 cups of water with the powder dissolved into it.
• one cup of shrimp
• one can of peas (this is more of a Caribbean addition to the dish but it worked well)
• 1/2 a red onion diced.
• 1/4 of a green pepper chopped.

Method:

1. heat a little oil and sauté the onions and garlic for 5-7 min, add the green pepper for a few more minutes.
2. then add the shrimp and allow it to get pink and the can of pigeon peas.
3. then add the rice and the stock, turn to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the water has soaked in/ evaporated,
4. serve with salad.

The mighty Volcan Arenal, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to this beautiful, lush region and volcano. 

The monkeys at Manuel Antonio National park, my girl was super excited to see them.

My boy looking to see what the guide has found in the National park, guides are well worth it not very expensive and they have expert eyes and know where to look.

 Amazing Toucans, these wonderful birds were seen from one of the balconies at the hotel.


 Sloth.

Have you visited Costa Rica? if not please do its simply amazing.

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