_Rolls up sleeves with a smirk_
Oh honey, let me tell you about this mouth-watering Ropa Vieja that’ll have your family thinking you’ve been secretly taking cooking lessons from a Cuban abuela! This shredded beef dish is literally everything – tender, flavorful, and absolutely Instagram-worthy. Trust me, your taste buds are about to go on a vacation to Havana!
First things first, let’s gather our ingredients (because running to the store mid-cooking is NOT the vibe we’re going for):
– 2 lbs flank steak
– 2 bell peppers (I use red and green for that pop of color!)
– 1 large onion
– 4 garlic cloves (or more, I won’t judge 😉)
– 2 cups crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp cumin
– Fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Y’all, this is where the magic happens! Start by seasoning that beautiful piece of meat with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large pot (the one your grandma gave you that you’ve been saving for something special – this is it!), and sear that beef until it’s golden brown on both sides. The sizzle is music to my ears!
BTW, if you’re loving this recipe so far, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for daily doses of deliciousness! I share everything from quick weeknight dinners to fancy-schmancy date night specials.
Now, where were we? Oh yes! Remove the meat and in the same pot (hello, flavor!), sauté those veggies until the onions are translucent and your kitchen smells like heaven. Add the garlic (I always add extra because… well, it’s garlic!), and let it do its thing for about a minute.
Pour in that white wine (and maybe a little extra for the chef? 🍷), add the tomatoes, bay leaves, and cumin. Bring this gorgeous mixture to a simmer, then add the meat back in. Cover and let it cook on low for about 2.5 hours, or until the meat is so tender it practically falls apart when you look at it.
Once the meat is ready, shred it using two forks (this is literally where the dish gets its name – Ropa Vieja means “old clothes” because the shredded meat looks like old, torn clothes… but trust me, it tastes WAY better than it sounds!).
Serve this beauty over rice, with black beans on the side, and maybe some sweet plantains if you’re feeling extra fancy. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and watch your dinner guests’ jaws drop!
Listen, queens and kings, if you’ve made it this far and you’re drooling all over your phone or computer, don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more recipes that’ll make you the star of every dinner party! Drop a comment below and tell me how this recipe turned out for you – did you add your own twist? Did your family fight over the leftovers? I want ALL the details!
And remember, cooking is all about having fun and adding your own personality to the dish. If you mess up, order pizza and try again tomorrow. We’ve all been there! 💁♀️✨
Now excuse me while I go make this for the third time this week… Don’t judge me! 😘
