Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja — "old clothes" in Spanish — is Cuba's national dish, a slow-braised shredded beef stew that takes its whimsical name from the way the pulled beef resembles a pile of tattered rags. Deeply rooted in Canary Islander and Spanish culinary traditions transplanted to the Caribbean, it is the ultimate one-pot comfort food, ladled over white rice with fried plantains alongside.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 700g (1.5 lb) beef flank steak or brisket
• 400g (14 oz) canned whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 100ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
• 100ml (⅓ cup) beef or chicken stock
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15ml) tomato paste
• 1 tsp (3g) ground cumin
• 1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ tsp (1g) dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or coriander to garnish

Instructions

1. Season beef generously with salt and pepper. In a large heavy pot, heat olive oil over high heat and sear beef for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
2. Remove beef. Add onion and peppers to the pot and cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Cook stirring for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and let bubble for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, stock, and bay leaves. Return beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
6. Cover and braise for 2-2.5 hours until beef shreds easily with two forks. Remove beef and shred it into long strips.
7. If the sauce is thin, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce. Return shredded beef to the sauce and stir to coat.
8. Serve over white rice, garnished with fresh herbs.

Cook's Notes: Flank steak gives the best long, ropy shreds. Brisket works well too. The dish deepens considerably overnight — make it a day ahead for best results. A splash of white wine vinegar stirred in at the end brightens the whole dish.