Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe Bursting with Flavor

Cuban Beef Ropa Vieja for an Omnivore’s Delight

Step into the vibrant world of Cuban cuisine with this classic Ropa Vieja, an explosion of flavors that embodies the heart of the Caribbean. This dish, with its tender beef and an array of aromatic spices, promises to sweep you and your companion into the lively streets of Havana with each bite. Ropa Vieja, which translates to “old clothes,” boasts a story as rich and colorful as its origins. This dish will indeed be a testament to the idea that food is a vehicle of culture and a vessel of memories. Get ready to transform a simple lunch into a Cuban fiesta for your taste buds!

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert, Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Cooking Time: 2.5 hours

Ingredients

• 400g Beef flank
• 1 Large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 Bell peppers, sliced
• 3 Large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 Teaspoon cumin
• 1 Teaspoon oregano
• 2 Bay leaves
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 Teaspoon vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon sugar (granulated)

Method

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Season the beef flank with salt and pepper, and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until the onions are translucent.
• Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
• Return the beef flank to the pot, add 500ml of water, and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 2 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
• Shred the beef with two forks and let the mixture simmer for an additional 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Tips

• Use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time to about 1 hour while retaining the deep flavors.
• For an added kick, include a pinch of chili powder.

Nutritional Information