Discover the Elevated Flavors of Costa Rica: Rondon with Seafood Medley at Lelo’s Restaurant

Food & Drink

5 July 2024

If you're a food enthusiast with a penchant for gourmet cuisine, Lelo's Restaurant at Driftaway Lodge in Playa Largatillo, Costa Rica, has something extraordinary for you. We are proud to introduce our elevated version of a traditional Costa Rican favorite: Rondon with Seafood Medley. This exquisite dish features a variety of premium seafood, including your choice of lobster or shrimp, scallops, and sea bass, all cooked in a rich, homemade coconut milk base. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the finest flavors of Costa Rican cuisine.

What Makes Rondon with Seafood Medley Special?

Rondon is a beloved traditional stew from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It's known for its hearty combination of fresh seafood and root vegetables, all simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth. At Lelo's Restaurant, we've taken this classic dish to new heights by incorporating high-quality, artisanal ingredients and modern culinary techniques, creating a luxurious dining experience that's perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

To create our Rondon with Seafood Medley, we use the finest ingredients:

  • Seafood Medley:
    • 1 lobster or 12 large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
    • 8 scallops
    • 2 sea bass fillets, cut into chunks
  • Coconut Milk Base:
    • 2 cans (800 ml) of coconut milk
    • 1 cup of fish or seafood stock
  • Vegetables and Aromatics:
    • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
    • 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced
    • 1 large onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (for flavor, optional)
    • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 1 bunch of fresh thyme
    • 2 bay leaves
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Juice of 2 limes
    • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • To Serve:
    • Artisanal bread, sliced

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Start by cleaning and cutting the lobster into pieces or cleaning and deveining the shrimp.
  2. Cut the sea bass fillets into chunks.
  3. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes and slice the green plantains.
  4. Chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
  5. Squeeze the juice from the limes and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and sliced plantains. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Stew:

  1. Pour in the coconut milk and fish stock. Stir to mix well.
  2. Add the whole scotch bonnet pepper (if using), chopped cilantro, thyme, and bay leaves.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Add the Seafood:

  1. Gently add the lobster pieces or shrimp to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the sea bass chunks and scallops. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until all the seafood is cooked through and tender.
  3. Be careful not to overcook the seafood to maintain its texture.

Finish the Stew:

  1. Remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper and bay leaves.
  2. Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  3. Let the stew sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve

  1. Ladle the Rondon with Seafood Medley into bowls.
  2. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired.
  3. Serve with slices of artisanal bread on the side to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.

Experience the Best of Costa Rican Cuisine at Driftaway Lodge

At Lelo's Restaurant, we are dedicated to providing our guests with an unforgettable culinary experience. Our Rondon with Seafood Medley is just one example of how we elevate traditional Costa Rican dishes with gourmet ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Whether you're a guest at Driftaway Lodge or a local resident, we invite you to join us for a meal that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Costa Rica.

Visit Driftaway Lodge in Playa Largatillo, Guanacaste, and discover why Lelo's Restaurant is a top destination for food lovers seeking the best in Costa Rican cuisine.

Meta Description

"Discover the exquisite flavors of Costa Rica with our Rondon with Seafood Medley recipe. Featuring premium lobster or shrimp, scallops, and sea bass in a rich coconut milk base, this gourmet dish is a must-try at Lelo's Restaurant in Playa Largatillo. Perfect for special occasions and showcasing the best of Costa Rican cuisine. Visit Driftaway Lodge for an unforgettable culinary experience."

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Make your next meal an extraordinary one with our Rondon with Seafood Medley. We look forward to welcoming you to Lelo's Restaurant at Driftaway Lodge.