August 11, 2011 - 11:55am
FULL OF PURA VIDA
What's that feeling in the air at the Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers' Market? The Costa Rican phrase meaning "the full life", has made it way to our Tuesday markets. What better way to honor the Latin American way of life through a celebration of colorful food and flavors?
One of the national dishes in Costa Rica is "gallo pinto", (which means spotted rooster, though no rooster finds its way to the plate in this case). To make a simple version, toss together a tantalizing combination of cooked black beans, white rice, fresh chopped cilantro and a special, fermented condiment called "chilero". Make your own In a quart jar: combine a few cups of grated carrots (try the purple ones from Suzie's Farm), one sliced yellow onion, one chopped sweet red pepper, 1-2 chopped jalapenos, some minced garlic, a few tablespoons of sea salt (Salt Farm has a smattering variety) and filtered water. FIll the jar with water, leaving an inch or so for air. Cover the jar tightly and store it at room temperature for a few days to let it ferment.
If you don't have time to make your own chilero, Happy Pantry sells an equally amazing kimchi that would substitute. This zesty blend also pairs wonderfully with fresh ceviche from La Isla Ceviche. Sounds like a full meal! To life!
Want a reminder of that happy feeling? Stop by our neighbor Pangea Outpost and pick up a colorful Pura Vida bracelet.
