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Cuban Ropa Vieja

Savory Cuban Ropa Vieja: Your New Comfort Food Classic

Cuban Ropa Vieja is a flavorful shredded beef stew, embodying warmth and comfort, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 2 pounds flank steak Can substitute with chuck roast or brisket.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Can substitute with coriander.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Can substitute with Italian seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika Use smoked paprika for a twist.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with avocado or vegetable oil.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Crushed tomatoes can also work.
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes Can blend whole canned tomatoes if necessary.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large onion Shallots can be used.
  • 1 cup bell peppers Mix of colors recommended.
  • 4 cloves garlic Fresh garlic is ideal.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 1 cup pimento-stuffed olives Green olives can substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons capers Optional.
  • 2 leaves bay leaves Thyme can work as a replacement.
For Added Ingredients
  • 2 cups chicken broth Vegetable broth can be an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup white wine Use extra broth to skip wine.
  • 1 medium carrot Optional aromatic.
  • 1 stalk celery Optional aromatic.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Stovetop
  • Slow Cooker
  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat the flank steak dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat and sear the flank steak for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Remove the beef and sauté onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, cumin, paprika, and pour in white wine while scraping the pot to deglaze.
  5. Add chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, then return beef to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged.
  6. Cook at 350°F for 1.5 hours or on low in a slow cooker for 8 hours until meat is tender.
  7. Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the pot with olives and capers, simmering for 10-15 more minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Cuban Ropa Vieja is a versatile recipe perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Consider making it in advance to enhance the flavors.

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