
About Ropa Vieja
Ropa vieja is a classic Cuban dish that translates to “old clothes” in English. It’s a hearty, flavorful beef stew made with shredded flank steak, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. The name “old clothes” refers to the way the tenderized beef shreds resemble old, worn-out clothing. Ropa vieja is often served with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a filling and delicious meal.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Shred the beef: Cut the flank steak into thin strips and place them in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover the beef and let it sit for about 30 minutes to tenderize.
- Sear the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Add tomato paste and broth: Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Shred the beef (again): Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and use two forks to shred the beef into thin strips.
- Add shredded beef: Add the shredded beef back into the pot with the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and thicken: Simmer the Ropa Vieja for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If desired, add a splash of white vinegar to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Ropa Vieja hot over white rice, with black beans, fried plantains, and chopped cilantro leaves, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Cuban-style Ropa Vieja!
Text model: llama3
Image model: RealCartoonXL

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