Ropa vieja cuban meat stew –Are you ready to spice up your dinner table with a dish that’s as colorful as your personality? Let’s dive into the magical world of Ropa Vieja—a Cuban classic that’s bound to turn any meal into a fiesta! This delicious shredded beef stew is the ultimate comfort food that means “old clothes.” Trust us, there’s nothing old or boring about this dish; it’s packed with vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
Feast Your Eyes!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cooking, let’s take a moment to admire this beauty:
Ingredients to Gather
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic dish:
- 2 pounds of flank steak
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (preferably red or green for that pop of color)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced (because we love a good vampire repellent)
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional, but it sure looks fancy)
- Rice or bread for serving (because who doesn’t love a carb?)
Instructions to Success
Ready to get cooking? Let’s make some culinary magic happen!
- First things first—heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Next, toss in that minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
- Now, it’s time to introduce your flank steak to the party. Brown it on all sides—this will take about 4-5 minutes per side. You’ll want that nice sear!
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, cumin, oregano, and some salt and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together like it’s in a dance-off.
- Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 2-3 hours. You can take a nap during this time, or maybe binge-watch that show everyone’s been talking about!
- When the beef is tender and falling apart, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Put it back into the stew and mix it up!
- Serve your Ropa Vieja over rice or with some nice crusty bread. Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for that pop of freshness!
Enjoy Your Meal!
And voila! You’ve just mastered Ropa Vieja. Serve it up, dig in, and watch the smiles appear at your dinner table. Trust us—this dish has the power to bring everyone together, fueled by the deliciousness that you’ve just created. Happy cooking!