"Old Clothes" — Cuba's National Dish
"Shredded beef in a tomato-pepper sofrito. Humble ingredients, extraordinary result."
Legend says a poor old man had nothing to feed his family. He shredded his own clothes and prayed — and they became meat. The shredded beef resembles tattered fabric, hence the name Ropa Vieja (old clothes).
Originally from Spain's Canary Islands, the dish found its true home in Cuba, where it became the national dish — served with black beans, rice, and fried plantains.
"From poverty came perfection."
Place beef in a pot with water to cover, bay leaves, and salt. Bring to boil, then simmer 1.5-2 hours until very tender.
Remove beef, reserve 1 cup braising liquid. Let beef cool slightly, then shred with two forks (it should fall apart easily).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and peppers until softened, 8-10 minutes.
Add garlic, cook 1 minute. Add cumin and oregano, stir.
Add wine, let it reduce by half. Add tomatoes, broth, and reserved braising liquid.
Simmer 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Add shredded beef and olives to the sauce. Simmer 15-20 more minutes for flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over white rice with black beans and maduros.
Simple white rice is traditional. The sauce soaks into it perfectly.
Cuban black beans — the holy trinity of Cuban food.
Fried sweet plantains. The sweetness balances the savory.