Chef’s Corner: Ropa Vieja

The word “Ropa Vieja” translates in English to “old clothes.” The story goes that a penniless old man once shredded and cooked his own clothes because he could not afford to feed his family. This dish dates back to more than 500 years ago and has its origins in Spain, but today, is now considered the national dish of Cuba.

Ingredients:

3 pounds - Chuck Eye Roll (Chuck Roast)

1.5 ounces - olive oil

1 each - red bell pepper (julienne)

1 each - green bell pepper (julienne)

1 each - red onion (julienne)

2 Tablespoons - sweet Spanish paprika

1 Tablespoon - hot Spanish paprika

1 Tablespoon - cumin

2 teaspoons - coriander

1.5 Tablespoons - dried oregano

1 Tablespoon - garlic (minced)

16 ounce can - whole San Marzano tomatoes (handcrushed)

1.5 ounces - tomato paste

6 ounces - white wine

8 ounces - beef broth

Procedure:

1. Pre heat oven to 300 degrees

2. Season the chuck roast liberally with salt and pepper

At Havana Beach Bar & Grill, we serve this over our breakfast potatoes mixed with peppers and onions, topped with two poached eggs, Cholula hollandaise and garnished with pickled red onions and sliced jalapeno.

3. In a pre-heated Dutch oven, sear the roast on all sides and remove from heat, setting aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients

4. In the same pot sauté the peppers, onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes

5. Add the spices and tomato paste and cook an additional 2-3 minutes

6. Add the white wine and reduce by half.

7. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth and bring to a simmer

8. Add the roast and any juices that have been released during the resting process, cover and place in the oven. Cook until roast has reached an internal temperature of 195 degrees.

9. Remove the pot from oven and leave covered allowing to rest for 45 minutes

10. Remove the roast and shred the meat using two forks, this can also be done by hand if you have gloves.

11. Mix the shredded meat back into the braising liquid and peppers. Note: you may not need all of the liquid, but this is a personal preference on how wet you like your final product.