Ropa Vieja de María

María is our dear friend Patty’s cousin and considered one of their very large family’s best cooks. Not only is she a good cook, but you can tell she enjoys it and enjoys sharing with others. Last weekend she shared her recipe for the most often requested recipe on this Blog – Ropa Vieja. You asked for it and we got it for you!

The best part is that María has many other "specialties", so plan to see her on this Blog again!

“Ropa Vieja” literally translates to old clothes because the meat is shredded – trust me, it’s way more appetizing and the smells while this cooks will make your mouth water. Let’s do this!

The Ingredients

For the Broth

About 4 quarts of water
2 ½ lbs of Flank Steak
* Note – If you have access to a Latin market, María recommends that you replace the flank steak with an Argentinean cut called “Vacio”
1 medium onion – whole and peeled
1 head of garlic – whole and unpeeled
2 stalks of celery – whole
2 carrots – whole
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Salt
Black Pepper to taste

For the Meat

Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1/8 cup Olive Oil
1/8 cup Canola Oil
4 Garlic Cloves peeled and lightly mashed
2 Bay Leaves
1 Medium Green Pepper – cut in strips
1 Medium Onion – sliced
½ cup Dry White Wine
8 oz. Tomato Sauce
½ tsp Worcestershire Sauce
4 oz. Diced Pimientos – drained

The Process

This recipe makes about six servings

• Add all the broth ingredients to water, set to High and bring to a boil.
  

• Once it begins to boil skim the broth, cover and set to Simmer for about an hour until the meat is tender and shreds easily.

• Take the meat out of the broth and let it cool for about a half hour until it can be handled. Discard the vegetables and set the broth aside.

• NOTE: The beef broth can be frozen and stored for use in sauces, soups, etc.

• Shred the meat into strands. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder to taste.

• Using the same pot as the broth, set the temperature to Medium and add the oils, garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppers and onions. Sweat the mixture until the onions are translucent.

• Add the meat and mix with the vegetables while coating it in the oils.

• Add the wine, listening for a sizzle. Stir for about five minutes to avoid sticking.

• Add the pimientos and the tomato and Worcestershire sauces. Mix well.

• Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes and you're done!

• NOTE: If you want the sauce to be more “liquidy”, add one or two ladles of broth and stir well, heating for another few minutes.

Ropa Vieja is traditionally served with white rice and green or ripe fried plantains.

María served the ropa vieja with white rice and perfect “tostones” (fried green plantains), followed by the mandatory “cafecito”. We had a fabulous afternoon drinking wine, cooking, eating (of course) and sharing all kinds of stories – not bad for a rainy day!

¡Buen provecho!

Empanadas Argentinas de Begoña (Argentinian Turnovers)

This is a very special installation of "Cuban Home Cooking" - today we learned how to make a popular and delicious treat from Argentina that has become a staple in Cuban bakeries and restaurants - often eaten for breakfast, lunch or as a "merienda" or snack.

Our "teacher" was Begoña Cabili, a friend's mother-in-law, born in the Basque region of Spain who emigrated to Argentina with her brother and sister when she was 18 years old. There the Basque beauty met and married Roberto, a dashing Argentine of Turkish descent and she learned to make Argentinian dishes. For the last 40+ years they've lived in Miami with their children and grandchildren. And that's how she came to be our friend and teacher!

We made - and ate! - beef empanadas and chicken empanadas. The procedure is the same, but in the pictures you'll see the beef preparation. Let's do it!

The Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (or chicken) - well separated
6 oz roasted sweet peppers - minced
15 plain olives - chopped
1/2 large white onion - finely chopped
2 hard boiled eggs - chopped
1¼ ounces raisins (optional)
4 Tblsp extra virgin olive oil
Paprika to taste
Salt to taste
20 sheets of flaky filo turnover dough for oven

Note - Begoña uses the brand "La Salteña" which she buys at a local Argentinian deli. Any phyllo dough pastry should work - but if possible try to get it for "the oven" or baking, rather than for frying.


Note - The dough comes frozen and can be stored in the freezer up to 6 months before use. Before using thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Note - Keep the dough refrigerated until use and even while working keep the dough sheets as cool as possible.

The Process

This recipe makes 20 empanadas

1. Preheat oven to 350º.


2. In a skillet sweat onions in 4 Tblsp of oil on low temperature until they are tender.





3. Add the meat to the onions. Then add salt to taste and add paprika to the desired color.



4. Drain, rinse and dry the roasted sweet peppers, and then mince them.


5. Chop the eggs and the olives.


6. Add raisins, olives, peppers and eggs to the meat and mix well.


7. Sample a bit and add salt to taste.


8. Set the mixture aside to cool.


9. Cover baking sheets with tin foil and lightly grease with melted butter. Take the dough out of the refrigerator but keep cool and covered as you work with each one.


10. Place one dough disc on a hard surface - marble is ideal as it keeps the dough cool. Rim the edge with enough water to make it moist - this will help seal it.



11. Place one tablespoon of the meat mixture in the disc and fold the dough over it.


12. Crimp the edges starting at one end and working around.

Note - If you're making different types of empanadas (meat and chicken for example) crimp the edges differently to distiguish them from each other. You can use a fork for one type, shell shape for another, etc.)

1. Brush each turnover with egg yolk to add color to the pastry.


2. Place in the oven for approximately 25 minutes.


3. Check periodically to ensure they are browning but not burning.

Note - The empanadas can be made and frozen unbaked for up to 6 weeks. Thaw them before baking.

We enjoyed the empanadas with some wine and good conversation and Begoña made delicious baked apples for dessert. And yay! there were enough for all of us to take some empanadas home!

¡Buen provecho!

Dulce de Guayaba de Elsa

First I want to apologize for the long absence. Real life got in the way and well…that’s it really. So, I’ve had a couple of recipes since late 2009 waiting to be published - I know, shameful! Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa (thump, thump thump).

But, we’re back with a treat - and right in time for guava season in South Florida! Elsa came to our friend Silvana’s house to teach us how to make something close to a guava jam or compote. The smells coming from that kitchen were heavenly…

Ingredients
35-37 Medium ripe or green Guavas
(NOTE: Guava will stain, so be careful of clothes and counter tops.)
6 1/2 cups Sugar
Pinch of Salt
Water as needed

Process:
This recipe makes approximately eight 12 oz. jars.

1. Wash guavas and cut off the stem end.
   
   
2. Cut the guavas in half and scoop out the seed and centers and reserve.
   
   
3. Chunk the remaining guava pulp and skins.
   
   

4. Puree the chunked pulp and skins adding small amounts of water as needed to liquefy.
   
   
5. Strain the fruit puree discarding solid remnants using a fine mesh strainer.
   
   
6. Strain the seed puree but retain the remnants.

• NOTE: To strain the seed puree she used the back of a spoon to work all of the puree off of the seeds.

1. Restrain the seed puree. After the second puree there should be no seeds left.
   

2. Combine the fruit puree and the seed puree to yield approximately 9 cups.


3. Add the sugar to the combined puree.
   
   
4. Cook the combined puree on high until it comes to a full boil. Stir with ladle to mix the sugar well and to prevent the marmalade from sticking to the pot.
   
   

5. Once it comes to a second boil lower the temperature to medium. Continue cooking as it continues to boil.
   

6. Add a pinch of salt.


7. Cook for 30 minutes stirring periodically.


8. Use this time to prepare your jars.

• NOTE: It is best to use sterilized glass jars as the marmalade will initially be hot.

1. After 30 minutes, set the temperature to low and beginning jarring. Jar and lid all of the marmalade while hot.
   
   
2. If using canning jars they will "pop" as the mixture cools, thereby completing the seal.

• NOTE: Once cool, the marmalade can be refrigerated for a couple of weeks.

Serve with yellow cheese and crackers for a traditional Cuban snack or dessert. It is also delicious served over cream cheese, or even a plain cheesecake. Or heck, eaten out of the jar with a spoon!

Buen provecho!

Frijoles Negros de Reinaldo (Black Beans)

Remember our MVP teacher Miriam? Well this time our teacher is a relative of her’s – Reinaldo is her daughter’s godfather. And he is also the family’s master chef. Reinaldo is the genius behind the magic that are the family’s holiday meals.

We got together at Miriam’s house – she recently renovated her kitchen so she enjoys having people over - a few weeks ago and Reinaldo taught us how to make two staples of Cuban cooking in general and of the holidays specifically: Frijoles Negros (Black Beans) and Yuca con Mojo,(Cassava with Garlic Marinade). This time you get the black beans, we’ll publish the Yuca in time for Noche Buena.

As usual from the lesson Miriam made a lovely lunch, her sister Nora made a roast pork shoulder that was melt in your mouth delicious – we didn’t get the recipe because we didn’t know she was making it, but we will soon!

Ingredients:

7 cups of water
3 medium green peppers
1 large onion - peeled
10 large garlic cloves
28 oz. dry black beans – picked over for any foreign items
1 pack or cube of chicken bouillon – if using cubes, crush before adding
½ tsp Oregano
½ powdered bay leaf
1 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
7 oz. roasted red peppers
1 oz. good olive oil


Process

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.

• NOTE: This recipe was made using a pressure cooker. If not using a pressure cooker, follow the recipe but heat the mixture on high to boil and then lower to medium for approximately two hours or until it thickens. Check periodically to ensure beans are completely submerged.

1. Soak beans in room temperature water for 8 hours. Put water and beans into pressure cooker.

1. Core the green peppers and place whole garlic cloves inside one or two of them. Add to the pot.

1. Add the whole onion to the pot.
   
2. Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high until pressurized.
   
3. Lower to medium and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
   
4. Depressurize the pot. Remove onion, green peppers and garlic cloves.
   
5. Place the onion, green peppers, garlic cloves, 1 pimento and pimento liquid in a blender or food processor. Add 2 serving spoons of the black bean mixture and liquefy.

1. Taste the beans from the pot to determine if they are soft enough, if not continue cooking and checking until done.
   
2. Add the liquefied mixture back to the pot. Set to Medium-Low.
   
3. Add ½ cup of water (use your judgment here they may be thin enough), salt, cumin, bay leaf powder, oregano and bouillon. Taste for salt, season as needed.
   
4. Add remaining pimentos and use the pimento can to add 7 oz of water (if needed because it’s been cooking down for a while).

1. Boil on Low for 15 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Stir in olive oil.
   
2. Let the beans sit off the heat for about 30 minutes to continue thickening.

• NOTE: To thicken the beans if they are too watery, liquefy a spoonful or two in the blender and add back into the pot. This will help thicken the soup.

Black beans are traditionally served with white rice, and they are integral to the traditional Noche Buena meal along side yuca and roast pork...

...but they also make a delicious soup on its own, garnished with sweet raw onions.

¡Buen provecho!

ingredient image source

Fricasé de Pollo de Miriam (Chicken Fricassee)

If you’re a regular reader, you’re very familiar with Miriam. She was our very first teacher - remember her ham croquettes? A few months she taught us how to make her delicious lentil stew. She’s a dear friend and has basically offered to be our “go-to” teacher when we can’t schedule someone else.

This month she once again opened her home to us to teach us how to make chicken fricassee. This is really a family recipe in the sense that her sister Nora uses this recipe on Christmas Eve to make Turkey Fricassee - rather than having roast turkey again so close to Thanksgiving, we have it this way and it is fantastic! So, keep in mind this recipe works perfectly with turkey and pretty much any fowl.

When we arrived at Miriam’s house she was not only ready to teach us to make the fricassee, no…she was making home-made mariquitas! She was preparing a complete lunch for us. So,in addition to the chicken, we had white rice, freshly made mariquitas, and freshly made plantains served with a light chilled pinot grigio followed by delicious home-made Bahamian guava preserves with cream cheese and of course, cafecito. We had a great afternoon hearing old stories about vacations past and I discovered that one of my closest friends - Miriam’s daughter - whom I’ve know for over 20 years knows how to gut a fish! OMG!

Ingredients

1 whole chicken - skinned and cut into 8 pieces (split breasts in two)
salt
pepper
1/4 Tbsp Italian seasoning
6 garlic cloves - chopped
Juice of 1 medium sour orange - juiced (can be replaced by 1/4 cup of bottled bitter orange marinade)
Olive oil - enough to coat pan
1/2 medium green bell pepper - cubed
1/2 medium red bell pepper - cut in strips
1 medium onion - chopped
11/2 Tbsp sun dried tomatoes in oil - reserve the oil
16 oz tomato sauce
1 cup dry white cooking wine
4 1/2 oz sweet red pimientos – cut in large strips - reserve about 2 oz of the liquid
1 bay leaf
3 small potatoes - peeled and chunked
1 tsp capers (optional)
7 Tbsp manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos - reserve the liquid

Process

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, Italian seasoning and garlic. Marinade in the sour orange juice for at least two hours.



2. Coat pan with olive oil and brown the chicken pieces.




3. Remove the chicken from the pan.



4. In the remaining oil with drippings, add onion, red and green peppers. Saute until soft.



5. Add sun dried tomatoes with reserved oil. Stir into onions and peppers.



6. Add tomato sauce, cooking wine, a pinch of salt, bay leaf and sweet red pimientos with reserved liquid.



7. Add the chicken to the sauce mixture. Cover and cook on medium-low for about 20 minutes.




8. Turn the chicken and add potatoes. Cover and continue cooking for 10 minutes.




9. Add capers and olives if desired. Continue cooking for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

• NOTE: Although traditionally this dish is prepared using a cut up whole chicken, you can easily substitute your favorite chicken parts. When using boneless chicken you should re-introduce the chicken into the sauce later in the process to avoid over cooking it.

Serve with white rice and plantains, mariquitas or a salad - avocado salad compliments this dish beautifully.

We all came away agreeing that this was definitely a doable recipe - even during the work week. Remember you can substitute the chicken with turkey for a fantastic alternative to roast turkey on Noche Buena or Christmas.

¡Buen provecho!

Image sources: Bitter Orange Marinade, Dry White Cooking Wine, Pimientos, Olives