Ropa Vieja, shredded beef and vegetables, is national dish of Cuba.
Ingredients:
– 1 kg flank steak
– 1 yellow onion
– 1 green bell pepper
– 1 yellow bell pepper
– 4 garlic cloves
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 2 tsp sweet paprika
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/8 tsp ground allspice
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 can crushed tomatoes
– 1 can tomato paste
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 carrot
– 1 celery stalk
– 1 cup green olives
– 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
– 1/4 cup pimientos
– 2 tbsp capers
– 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Cooking Instructions:
1. Pat dry the beef, season with salt and ground black pepper.
2. Brown the beef generously on all sides.
3. Transfer the beef to a plate.
4. Add sliced onions and peppers to the pot and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
5. Add the garlic and spices and cook for another minute.
6. Add the wine and bring it to a rapid boil, deglazing the bottom of the pan.
7. Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaves, and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Return the beef to the pot along with sliced carrots and celery. Simmer for 3-4 hours.
9. Discard the celery, carrots and bay leaves.
10. Transfer the beef to a plate and shred it. Return the shredded beef to the pot.
11. Add in the olives, roasted red peppers, capers and pimientos. Simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes.
12. Stir in the parsley and add salt and pepper to taste.