Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja is a traditional Cuban dish consisting of shredded beef that is simmered in a tomato-based sauce. It is typically served with rice, beans, and plantains. This dish is flavorful and hearty, and it can be easily made in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound flank steak
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 bay leaf

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and saute until softened.
2. Add the beef and season with salt, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned.
3. Add the beef and all of the remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is cooked through and shreddable.
4. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve over rice, beans, and plantains.

Potential changes & improvements

If you want a bit more of a spice to this dish, you could add some additional chili powder or cumin. You could also add some chopped green bell peppers to the dish. If you’re not a fan of red wine, you could use white wine or omit it altogether.

What other food it works well with

Ropa Vieja pairs well with rice, beans, and plantains. It would also be good served with a side of steamed vegetables.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake when making Ropa Vieja is to overcook the beef. This will result in dry, tough beef. Another mistake is to add too much spice. Remember that you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away. Start with a little bit and add more to taste.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 461 calories, 21 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 116 mg cholesterol, 982 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 17 g sugar, 37 g protein.

Allergens

This recipe contains beef, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and wine. It does not contain any common allergens.