Definition: So what's that jar of spicy vegetable dressing on the table of many Costa Rica restaurants? Chilera! Chilera, aka vinagre chilera, is a staple in Costa Rican cuisine. It can also be found in neighboring Central America countries like Nicaragua.
Chilera is a mix of hot chile peppers, onions, carrots, green beans and cauliflower mixed with vinegar (usually fermented banana vinegar). Vinagre chilera is used to spice up many Costa Rican dishes -- just add a few drops to your food. If you're bold, try a few of the fiery vegetables as well.
I can't conclude my chilera definition without an anecdote. At a restaurant in Liberia, Costa Rica, we dared a friend of mine to drink an entire jar of chilera. The reward? $50. He must have had a stomach of steel, because he drank every drop. Ouch!
Pronunciation: chee-LEH-ra
Also Known As: vinagre chilera, vinagre ají
