Fall is one of the perfect times and moments to try Caribbean dishes, simply because it offers a brand-new perspective. A brand-new perspective since when you think of the Caribbean, you think of the summer season, so the food adventures during this time are also great. Among the recipes in this region are Cuban recipes.
Cuban recipes blend Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, featuring rice, beans, pork, plantains, citrus, and spices. Favorites include ropa vieja, picadillo, lechón, arroz congrí, tostones, and Cuban sandwiches. Since Cuba was colonized mainly by Spain. So, it’s not only arroz ala Cubano! Let’s explore the best and must-try recipes in Cuba, curated by DoorDash!
Cuban Black Beans
These Cuban black beans are probably among the most popular, as they are number one on the list of the best Cuban recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried black beans, picked over and rinsed
- 2 green bell peppers, 1 quartered lengthwise and 1 minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, minced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, minced
- 1 large white onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- Kosher salt
Directions:
Start by soaking the black beans overnight. Once done, drain and simmer each in fresh water until tender. Move over to sautéing your onions, green bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil. Don’t forget to add cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir into beans, add vinegar and a little sugar, then simmer until creamy. Serve with fresh white rice.
Cubano Sandwiches
Another recipe that you normall see served in Cuban restaurants are these Cubano sandwiches. A Cubano is a sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles served on a soft roll spread with mustard and griddled until warm. Here’s how to make them.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, mashed
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 pound boneless roast pork, very coarsely shredded
- 4 soft hero rolls, split but still attached at one side
- 6 ounces sliced Black Forest ham
- 4 ounces sliced Genoa salami
- 6 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
- 2 large dill pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
- Yellow mustard, for serving
- Hot sauce, for serving
- Melted unsalted butter, for brushing
Directions:
Making your Cubano sandwiches is almost the same as preparing any normal sandwich, except that the ingredients list is more complex. Slice Cuban bread lengthwise and spread mustard inside. Layer roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Close the sandwich, lightly butter the outside, then press on a hot griddle or sandwich press until crisp, golden, and flattened. Cook until the cheese melts, then slice diagonally and serve fresh!
Ropa Vieja
Oh, it’s hard to pick the third and last for this list, but RSF picked Ropa Vieja, another popular Cuban dish.
Ingredients:
For the ropa vieja:
- 5 pounds bone-in goat or lamb shoulder roast, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cups sliced white onions (from 2 medium onions)
- 4 cups thinly sliced red bell peppers (from 2 large bell peppers)
- 5 garlic cloves, smashed
- 5 medium-size (about 1 pound total) Roma tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped chipotle pepper
- 2 tablespoons dried Mexican oregano
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
More required ingredients:
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 10 (1-inch-thick) slices focaccia bread
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
Start by seasoning your beef with salt and pepper, then searing until browned. Next, simmer with onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and broth until tender. These are followed by shredding the beef, returning it to the sauce, and cooking it until flavorful. Get ready to serve your ropa vieja with white rice, black beans, or plantains. Meaty and yummy! Shop those ingredients now on DoorDash!