Description
Dive into the heart of Cuban cuisine with this classic dish, Ropa Vieja. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Cuba right into your kitchen with tender, shredded beef stewed in a rich, vibrant sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. It’s a comforting meal that promises to transport you to the streets of Havana with each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper and sear each side for about 4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until they are soft.
- Cook the Meat: Return the beef to the pot, add tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook on low heat for about 2 hours until the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot. Stir well to mix with the sauce and vegetables. Serve over white rice, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Cooking Tip: Ensure the beef is tender by cooking it slowly and gently; this can take a couple of hours.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side of black beans and fried plantains for a traditional Cuban meal.
- Variations: For a lighter version, try using chicken breast or thigh meat instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6th of total)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg