Ropa Vieja Recipe – A Cuban and Latin American Beef Stew

Ropa Vieja, Spanish for ‘old clothes’, is a classic Cuban dish that has become a favorite among people from all over the world. This savory and heartwarming stew is known for its tender, shredded beef and vibrant mix of colors, flavors, and textures that make every bite an exciting sensory experience. Today, we’re going to dive into the world of Latin American cuisine and learn how to make this iconic Ropa Vieja Beef Stew.

Ingredients

For this Ropa Vieja recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs flank steak
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 large bell pepper, julienned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to make Ropa Vieja:

1. Season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the steak on both sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium, and add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), white wine, beef broth, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
5. Return the flank steak to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the steak is tender enough to shred with a fork.
6. Remove the steak from the pot and let it cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the beef using two forks, then return it to the pot. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, to let the flavors absorb.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Garnish with parsley, then serve your Ropa Vieja hot, ideally with steamed rice or warm tortillas.

Ropa Vieja is a fantastic way to explore the rich and diverse world of Latin American cuisine. With its comforting flavors and satisfying textures, this Cuban beef stew is a sure hit among families and friends. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making another batch soon after this pot of Ropa Vieja gets polished off – it’s that good. Enjoy!