Ropa Vieja
Difficulty: hard
Total Time: < 240min
Makes: 4-8
Ropa Vieja – literally ‘Old Clothes’ – is one of the classic, Cuban slow-cooked dishes, much loved by Cubans. You will find similar dishes in South America and the principle is also quite similar to an Italian ragout. Ropa Vieja takes a bit of time and effort, but the ingredients are relatively inexpensive, it’s very tasy and nourishing and keeps well for up to 48 hours in the fridge – just reheat thoroughly. Typically served in Cuba with rice and plantain – just fry ripe plantain slices or strips for the perfect accompaniment. Black beans also go well – see our recipe for Cuban Black Beans
Ingredients
1kg beef flank steak
1 large chopped onion
50gm red pepper chopped small
50gm green pepper chopped small
300gm chopped tomatoes - fresh or tinned
1 red chilli - chopped small
Tablespoon each of chopped flat-leafef parsley, oegano and cilantro/coriander
Quarter tabelspoon salt
Quarter tablespoon minced garlic
2 sprigs watercress
Half teaspoon ground black pepper
25mg olive oil
250ml litre water
Instructions
- Chop the beef into large pieces and brown in the oil, adding the chopped onion towards the end
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the water and heat together for around a minute
- Place all of the ingredients either in a covered pan or a pressure cooker and add the water. If in a pressure cooker, cook for 40 minutes; if in a covered pan, for 3-4 hours
- When the dish is thoroughly cooked to a thick, saucey consistency and the beef is tender and falling apart, shred it with a fork. Check for salt and add more if needed