Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish with roots dating back to the Canary Islands. It translates to “old clothes,” a nod to its appearance of shredded beef, resembling tattered rags. This dish has become a staple in Cuban cuisine, loved for its rich flavors and tender, flavorful meat. It’s a comforting meal that brings family and friends together, often served with rice and plantains.
Servings: Serves 6 people
Appliances/Utensils:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper, then sear in the Dutch oven until browned on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Use a can opener to open the can of crushed tomatoes, then add it to the pot along with beef broth, cumin, paprika, and bay leaf. Mix well.
6. Return the flank steak to the pot, submerging it in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a sharp knife.
7. Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks on a cutting board.
8. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir in the green olives and capers. Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
9. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce during the simmering process.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the beef broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Ropa Vieja with fluffy white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a full Cuban culinary experience.
Estimated Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes