Ropa vieja

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Ropa Vieja is a beautifully simple Cuban dish made with shredded beef. The translation of ropa vieja means old clothes as the dish is said to be reminiscent of shredded rags of clothing.

This is a set it and forget it kind of a recipe and serves a crowd. The meat is seared and then braised slowly in a rich tomato sauce. The addition of olives is a must in this dish.

I use flank steak for this, as it’s a lean meat and the cut has the long fibers needed to create this dish. It is especially delicious served with plantains, and beans and rice.

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Ropa vieja

Ropa vieja

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

• 5lb flank steak

• 2 medium onions, slices

• 3 tbs minced garlic

• 1 tbs cumin

• 1 tbs oregano

• 1 tbs oil

• 1 large can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)

• 1 litre beef stock

• 4 bay leaves

• 30 pimento-stuffed green olives

• 2 roasted red peppers, cut into strips

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• parsley to garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).

2. Season the beef with the salt and pepper. Sear beef about 3 minutes per side, either in a large skillet or on a hot BBQ.

3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or large oven proof pot.

4. Sauté sliced onions until translucent - about 4 minutes.

5. Add garlic, cumin and oregano and stir to combine.

6. Add tomatoes, beef broth and bay leaves and bring to a boil.

7. Add the beef to the pot.

8. Cover and braise in the oven for 4 hours.

9. Remove meat from pot and shred into long strands.

10. Return the pot to the stove and reduce the liquid until you have about 3 cups.

11. Add the beef back into the liquid along with the peppers and olives.

12. Remove bay leaves before serving.

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