Girl, let me tell you about this mouth-watering Latin recipe that’s been passed down through generations – Ropa Vieja! This Cuban-inspired shredded beef dish is literally translated to “old clothes,” but trust me, there’s nothing old or shabby about these flavors! 🔥
When I first tried making this dish, my kitchen was filled with the most amazing aromas of tender beef, sweet peppers, and aromatic spices. It’s the kind of meal that makes your neighbors “accidentally” drop by right around dinner time!
Here’s what you’ll need, bestie:
– 2 lbs flank steak
– 2 colorful bell peppers (I use red and yellow for that Instagram-worthy pop!)
– 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
– 1 tsp oregano
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Now, let me walk you through this magical process:
1. Season that beautiful piece of meat generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear the beef until it’s gorgeously brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes each side).
1. Remove the beef and in the same pot (don’t you dare wash it – those brown bits are flavor gold!), sauté your sliced onions, peppers, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Hey! Before we continue, if you’re loving this recipe so far, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for more drool-worthy recipes daily. I’ve got so many amazing dishes to share with you! 💋
1. Add the wine and let it reduce for about 2 minutes (take a sip while you’re at it – chef’s privilege! 😉).
1. Return the beef to the pot, add tomatoes, spices, and bay leaves. Cover and let it simmer for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is fork-tender and literally falling apart.
1. Shred that beautiful beef with two forks and let it soak up all those amazing juices for another 15 minutes.
Serve this beauty over white rice, and if you’re feeling fancy, add some black beans and plantains on the side. The leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.
Y’all, this dish is seriously giving me life! It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress your friends with your culinary skills. Every time I make it, people think I spent days in the kitchen – little do they know! 😏
Don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more amazing recipes like this one! And pretty please, drop a comment below telling me how this recipe turned out for you – I love hearing your kitchen adventures! Did you add your own twist? Spice it up differently? Let’s chat about it!
Now go forth and cook up some magic in your kitchen, queen! 👑🍽️
