This ropa vieja recipe is a traditional Cuban dish made with tender shredded beef simmered in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re a fan of Cuban cuisine or just looking to try something new, this ropa vieja recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the ropa vieja recipe:
- 2 lbs flank steak or beef chuck
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Execution
Step-by-Step Method for the ropa vieja recipe:
- Prepare the beef: Season the flank steak or beef chuck with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on both sides, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spices and liquids: Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, green olives, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the beef: Return the beef to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the beef: Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the ropa vieja over rice, with a side of black beans, or alongside fried plantains.
Tips:
For the best ropa vieja recipe:
- Use a slow cooker: For a hands-off approach, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Add more vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it ahead: Ropa vieja tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- Pair with rice: Serve ropa vieja with white rice or yellow rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
FAQs:
- Can I freeze ropa vieja? Yes, ropa vieja freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- What type of beef should I use? Flank steak or beef chuck is commonly used for ropa vieja, as both are perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
- What can I serve with ropa vieja? Ropa vieja is traditionally served with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains. You can also pair it with tortillas or crusty bread.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover ropa vieja in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
