Spiced Costa Rican Pan-Fried Beef Salad

Assemble the ingredients: beef, bay leaf, yogurt, butter, onion, cumin, olive oil.

Warm oil in a heavy pot. Add the beef and cook until pan-fried.

Stir in the aromatics and spices — the backbone of Costa Rican flavors.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning; the flavor should deepen as it cooks.

Plate and serve with traditional Costa Rican accompaniments such as bread, rice, or fresh herbs.