Nicaragua · Jaguar Cichlid

Nicaraguan Fried Guapote

Guapote Frito

On the shore of Lake Nicaragua every little fonda fries guapote whole and serves it with cabbage salad, plantain and a pile of gallo pinto.

  • Prep 20 min
  • Cook 20 min
  • Serves 2–4
  • Level Easy
Photo: Juan Emilio Prades Bel · CC BY 4.0

Ingredients

Tap each item as you gather it.

For the fish

For the cabbage salad

Method

Step by step, the way it is done on the island.

  1. Season the fish. Cut 3 deep slashes on each side. Squeeze the limes over it, then rub inside and out with the garlic, salt and pepper. Let it sit 15 minutes.
  2. Make the salad. Toss the cabbage, tomato, onion and chile with the vinegar and salt. Leave it to soften while you fry.
  3. Fry. Heat 1 inch (2–3 cm) of oil to 350 °F (175 °C). Pat the fish dry, dust with flour and fry 6–7 minutes per side until deep golden and crisp at the fins.
  4. Serve. Drain on paper and serve right away with the cabbage salad, lime wedges and gallo pinto.

On the side

The side dish that belongs with it, full recipe included.

Costa Rica

Costa Rican Rice and Beans

Gallo Pinto

Day-old rice fried with black beans, onion, sweet pepper and a splash of Salsa Lizano. Costa Ricans eat it morning to night, and it is great next to fried fish in Puntarenas.

  • Prep 10 min
  • Cook 15 min
  • Serves 4
  • Level Easy

You need

  • 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably a day old
  • 1½ cups cooked black beans, with ½ cup of their liquid
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp Salsa Lizano (or Worcestershire sauce)
  • 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Salt to taste

How to make it

  1. Sauté. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and pepper 5 minutes, then the garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Add the beans. Add the beans with their liquid and simmer 3–4 minutes until the liquid reduces by about half.
  3. Add the rice. Add the rice and Salsa Lizano and fold gently for 4–5 minutes, until the rice is evenly speckled and hot.
  4. Finish. Stir in the cilantro, taste for salt and serve.

Photo: Legendre17 · CC BY 3.0