Savor the Culture: Cuban Ropa Vieja Delight
Ropa Vieja, or 'Old Clothes', is a beloved traditional Cuban dish celebrated for its rich flavors and tender, shredded flank steak that beautifully mimics a pile of laundry. This dish encapsulates the heart of Cuban cuisine and is perfect for festive holidays or everyday meals that showcase culinary heritage. The combination of sautéed green peppers, sweet raisins, and salty olives creates a symphony of tastes that are perfectly complemented by the robust red wine and zesty tomatoes. Serve it over fragrant rice for a hearty and truly memorable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
417
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flank Steak
1 lb (Trimmed of excess fat)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Green Pepper
1 (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Stuffed Green Olives
6 (Sliced)
Sugar
1/8 cup (N/A)
Raisins
1/8 cup (N/A)
Red Wine
1 cup (N/A)
Chopped Tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can (N/A)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Sazon Goya Seasoning
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the flank steak over medium-high heat until seared on all sides. Once browned, transfer the steak to a crock pot or a deep roasting pan.
2
In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if necessary, and sauté the chopped green peppers until they begin to soften. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until all the vegetables are tender.
3
Once softened, incorporate the can of chopped tomatoes, emptying the contents into the skillet. Mix well, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
4
Pour the vegetable-tomato mixture over the flank steak in the crock pot or roasting pan, ensuring the steak is covered with the sauce.
5
Add the red wine to the mixture, stirring it in gently so the flank steak is fully submerged in liquid.
6
Cover and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to incorporate flavors.
7
After one hour, carefully remove the flank steak from the liquid and let it rest on a cutting board for about ten minutes.
8
Using two forks, shred the flank steak into thin, stringy pieces, allowing the meat to easily fall apart.
9
Return the shredded meat back to the crock pot or roasting pan.
10
Finally, stir in the raisins, sliced green olives, and sugar. Cover and let it simmer for an additional twenty minutes, allowing the flavors to meld further.
11
Serve the Ropa Vieja over a generous bed of fluffy rice. Enjoy your culinary adventure with every bite!
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
37
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ropa Vieja?
Ropa Vieja, meaning 'Old Clothes' in Spanish, is a beloved traditional Cuban dish featuring tender, shredded flank steak in a savory tomato-based sauce.
Why is it called 'Old Clothes'?
The dish is named 'Old Clothes' because the shredded texture of the flank steak is said to mimic a pile of torn laundry.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is one pound of flank steak, trimmed of excess fat.
How many calories are in a serving of this Cuban Ropa Vieja?
There are 417 calories per serving of this dish.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 30 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat does this recipe contain?
Each serving contains 12 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The recipe contains 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
The base vegetables include one medium chopped onion, one chopped green pepper, and two minced garlic cloves.
What type of wine should be used?
The recipe calls for one cup of red wine to help submerge the steak and build flavor.
How long should the steak simmer before shredding?
The steak should be simmered for one hour until it is tender enough to be easily shredded.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
The first step is to brown the flank steak in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is seared on all sides.
How long does the steak need to rest before shredding?
The steak should rest on a cutting board for about ten minutes after being removed from the cooking liquid.
What technique is used to shred the meat?
The meat is shredded into thin, stringy pieces using two forks.
What gives the dish a sweet and salty contrast?
A combination of raisins and sliced stuffed green olives provides the signature sweet and salty flavor profile.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
Are there any specific seasonings required?
Yes, the recipe uses cumin, white pepper, and one tablespoon of Sazon Goya seasoning.
How much sugar is added to the sauce?
The recipe includes 1/8 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and wine.
What should this dish be served with?
It is recommended to serve Ropa Vieja over a generous bed of fluffy rice.
Can I cook this in a crock pot?
Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, they can be transferred to a crock pot for the simmering process.
What is the final simmering time after adding olives and raisins?
Once the raisins, olives, and sugar are added, the dish should simmer for an additional twenty minutes.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for two minced garlic cloves.
Is there a specific olive recommendation?
The recipe specifies using six sliced stuffed green olives.
What kind of pepper is used for spice?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper rather than standard black pepper.
How much cumin is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for festive holidays and meals that showcase culinary heritage.
What happens to the vegetables before they are added to the meat?
The green peppers, onions, and garlic are sautéed in a skillet until they are tender.
How much red wine is used?
The recipe requires one cup of red wine.
Does the recipe use a roasting pan?
A deep roasting pan can be used as an alternative to a crock pot for simmering the dish.
How much Sazon Goya seasoning is needed?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of Sazon Goya seasoning.