EDITOR’S NOTE: Traveleater Daniel Stauffer is a blogger and cigar enthusiast who shares with us his favorite ropa vieja recipe, as well as recommendations on where to try this dish in Cuba.

There is no dish more beloved in Cuban culture than hearty, aromatic Ropa Vieja. This delicious beef-and-tomato stew is classic comfort food for every Cuban and is an experience every traveler must try on their trip to this vibrant island.

THE HISTORY OF CUBA’S NATIONAL DISH

Ropa Vieja is steeped in culinary history and holds a special place in the hearts of the Cuban people. Originating in Spain over 500 years ago, Sepharidc Jews on the Iberian Peninsula would slow cook a pot of Ropa Vieja on the night before the Sabbath, as cooking is forbidden on this holy day. The traditional recipe reached Cuba via Spanish immigrants to the Canary Islands and soon became so popular that the locals adopted it as their national dish.

There is also a story about the origins of the name “Ropa Vieja,” which translates to “old clothes.” In the story, a poor man tears up his clothes and throws them into a pot to feed his starving family. He prays over the pot, and miraculously the clothes turn into a dish of stewed meat and vegetables.

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT ROPA VIEJA IN CUBA

Because most of Cuba’s restaurants were government-owned in the past, many chefs had trouble sourcing quality ingredients. This meant that the best Ropa Vieja in Cuba was made at home, and it was challenging for travelers to Cuba to experience the authentic taste of Ropa Vieja while on vacation.

However, within the last couple of years, regulations regarding commercial food preparation have become more relaxed, which allows Cuban chefs to create amazing Ropa Vieja. If you are planning a trip to Cuba, here are some of the best places to find this mouthwatering ethnic dish.

1. Doña Eutimia

Palader Doña Eutimia is one of the top places to eat local food in Havana. They use lamb rather than beef in their recipe. The lamb balances perfectly with the slightly tart tomatoes and acidic white wine.

2. Restaurante Porto Habana

The spectacular view from Restaurante Porto Habana is rivaled only by the deliciously aromatic Ropa Vieja on the menu. Packed full of sweet red peppers, Porto Habana’s version of this beloved national dish is a balance between sweetness and richness that will have you licking the plate clean.

3. Habana 61

Habana 61 is a casual eatery that elevates the traditionally rustic Ropa Vieja to a grand new level. Their take on this dish features succulent, long shreds of slow-cooked beef glazed in a full-bodied, savory gravy that pairs beautifully with their selection of red wines.

TIPS FOR COOKING ROPA VIEJA AT HOME

If you’re looking to try this fantastic Cuban dish in your kitchen, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start.

1. Use the Right Cut

The primary ingredients you need for authentic ropa vieja are beef and tomatoes, and when it comes to beef, the cut makes all the difference.

Traditional recipes call for flank steak due to the way that it pulls apart in strings that resemble the “old clothes” for which the dish is named. However, flank steak is less flavorful than other cuts, and it tends to be tough, so I suggest using chuck steak, which is a classic stewing cut. Chuck pulls apart in shorter strands than flank, but you can get around this by using a taller and wider piece of meat.

Photo by Bru-nO via Pixabay

2. Sear Your Meat

Contrary to popular belief, searing the meat won’t seal in the juices. It will, however, cause a reaction that enhances the savory flavor of the meat, adding a more complex flavor profile to the dish.

Before searing your meat, always pat excess moisture from the surface with a paper towel, and make sure the pan you are using is big enough so that the cut of meat you have doesn’t touch the sides. Season the meat right before placing it in the pan, and once it is in there, resist the urge to move it around. When the meat has developed a good brown color, it should pull away from the pan without resistance.

3. Slice Your Vegetables the Same Size as the Shreds of Meat

To achieve the characteristic look of Ropa Vieja, your vegetables should be the same size as your shreds of meat. When preparing your vegetables, cut them into thin strips. These will caramelize in the pan to add extra flavor to the dish.

Photo by neillangan via Deposit Photos

ROPA VIEJA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 pounds chuck roast
• 2 Tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 large yellow onions, julienned
• 1 large red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 large green bell pepper, julienned
• 2 Tbsps kosher salt
• 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 tsps sweet paprika
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsps white vinegar
• 3/4 cup pitted Spanish olives, halved (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Pat chuck roast with paper towel. Heat the oil over high heat in a Dutch oven. Sear the chuck roast until well browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Take the meat out of the pot and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 250°F. Sauté green and red peppers, onions, and salt, until soft. Add garlic and stir often to avoid burning. Scrape the bottom of the pan and mix until vegetables are soft and golden. Deglaze the pot with white wine and cook, occasionally stirring, until wine is reduced.
3. Stir in remaining herbs and spices for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes and crush roughly with a spoon. Bring sauce to a boil, making sure to stir occasionally, until liquid reduces by half. This should take around 5 minutes.
4. Place the roast into the tomato mixture with bay leaves. Cover with lid and transfer to the oven. Let the roast and vegetables braise for 2 ½-3 hours until the meat pulls apart easily. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
5. Remove excess fat and bay leaves from sauce. Shred beef using 2 forks and mix into the sauce. Add in olives (if using) and vinegar.

Serve with traditional rice, Cuban black beans, and fried plantains. To complete your Cuban culinary experience, enjoy a smooth Cuban cigar after your meal. The best Cuban cigars to pair with a beef stew include full-bodied flavours found in the Bolivar Royal Corona or Punch Punch.

Photo by merc67 via Deposit Photos

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ropa Vieja is even better enjoyed the next day, so make a double batch of this classic dish so there will be plenty of leftovers.

Check out some of the other amazing recipes from across the Globe on the National Dish Quest, and add this classic Cuban dish to your repertoire of comfort food recipes.

Disclosure

The TripAdvisor links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you make a booking or reservation at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support as this helps us keep this website going. Thank you!

Found this article useful? Help us help other travelers by sharing it!