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Cuban Ropa Vieja

Savor Every Bite of Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Today

Enjoy the hearty flavors of Cuban Ropa Vieja, a scrumptious dish featuring tender, shredded beef in a rich sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2-3 pounds flank steak
  • 2-3 pounds chuck roast Budget-friendly alternative
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced
  • 1-2 bell peppers sliced
For the Sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste sautéed briefly
  • ½ cup white wine optional, can substitute with beef broth
For the Spices
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano consider fresh for a twist
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • pinch crushed red pepper for heat

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Fork

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Place 2 to 3 pounds of flank steak or chuck roast in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until fork-tender.
  2. Remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Reserve 1 cup of cooking broth and shred the beef with two forks.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add 1 sliced yellow onion and 1 or 2 sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until soft.
  4. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and reserved broth. Add ½ cup of white wine, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Simmer gently.
  6. Return the shredded beef to the skillet, stir and simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes, adjusting thickness with reserved broth as necessary.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve over rice or with black beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the beef to cool slightly before shredding for tenderness. Reserve cooking broth to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

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