Cuban Food
Cuban food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. It is known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and the unique combination of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Cuban cuisine is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. From classic dishes like Ropa Vieja and Cuban Sandwiches, to more exotic dishes like Mojo and Congri, Cuban food has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, or something to impress your dinner guests, Cuban food is sure to please. Here are some of the tastiest Cuban recipes to try.
Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish made with shredded beef, vegetables, and an array of flavorful spices. The beef is typically cooked slowly in a sofrito, or a base of sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. The beef is then combined with olives, capers, and raisins, and served over white rice. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
1 pound flank steak
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup pitted olives
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons raisins
1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place flank steak in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, cumin, and paprika and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove steak from oven and shred with two forks. Add to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add olives, capers, and raisins and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked white rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 477
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 69mg
Sodium: 629mg
Potassium: 598mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Cuban Sandwiches
Cuban sandwiches are a staple of Cuban cuisine. They are typically made with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles on Cuban bread. The bread is usually buttered and pressed until golden and crisp. The flavorful combination of ingredients is then heated until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warm and delicious. Cuban sandwiches are a great option for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
Ingredients
4 slices Cuban bread
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 slices ham
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices roast pork
4 slices pickles
Instructions
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Brush one side of each slice of bread with melted butter. Place in the skillet, butter side down.
3. Layer ham, Swiss cheese, roast pork, and pickles on the bread. Top with another slice of bread, butter side up.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip the sandwiches and cook for 3-4 minutes more.
6. Cut in half and serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 598
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1171mg
Potassium: 400mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Mojo
Mojo is a traditional Cuban sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and citrus juice. It is used as a marinade, cooking sauce, and condiment. It is bursting with flavor, and can be used to enhance the flavor of meats, vegetables, and other dishes. Mojo can be served as a dipping sauce, or used to add flavor to cooked dishes. It is a versatile and flavorful sauce that is sure to please.
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together until well combined.
3. Use as a marinade, cooking sauce, or condiment.
Nutrition
Calories: 197
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 11mg
Potassium: 18mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Congri
Congri is a classic Cuban dish made with black beans and white rice. The beans and rice are cooked together in a sofrito, or a base of sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. The flavorful combination is then cooked until the beans are tender and the rice is cooked through. Congri is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (14.5 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, cumin, and paprika and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add black beans and rice and stir to combine.
4. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the beans are tender.
5. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 467
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 699mg
Potassium: 517mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 4g
Conclusion
Cuban cuisine is a unique and flavorful cuisine that is sure to please everyone. From classic dishes like Ropa Vieja and Cuban Sandwiches, to more exotic dishes like Mojo and Congri, Cuban food has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, or something to impress your dinner guests, Cuban food is sure to please. So the next time you’re looking for something new and delicious to make, try one of these tasty Cuban recipes.