Cocina Cubana Recetas: A Taste Of Cuba In Your Own Kitchen

If you're looking to add some new flavors to your cooking repertoire, why not try some traditional Cuban recipes? With a mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, Cuban cuisine is full of bold flavors and unique ingredients. In this article, we'll explore some popular cocina cubana recetas and show you how to recreate them in your own kitchen.

Ingredient Spotlight

Before we dive into the recipes, let's take a closer look at some of the key ingredients you'll need to make them:

Plantains

Plantains are a staple in Cuban cuisine, and they're used in both sweet and savory dishes. These starchy fruits are similar to bananas, but they're larger and less sweet. When they're green, they're often boiled or fried and served as a side dish. When they're ripe, they can be mashed and used in desserts.

Yuca

Also known as cassava, yuca is a root vegetable that's used in many traditional Cuban dishes. It has a neutral flavor and a starchy texture, and it's often boiled, fried, or mashed. Yuca is also used to make cassava flour, which is used in some bread and pastry recipes.

Adobo Seasoning

Adobo seasoning is a blend of spices that's commonly used in Cuban cooking. It typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and salt. You can make your own adobo seasoning at home, or you can buy it pre-made at the grocery store.

Recipes

Now that you're familiar with some of the key ingredients, let's dive into some cocina cubana recetas:

Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish that's made with shredded beef, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Here's what you'll need to make it:

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the steak and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
3. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
4. Add the onion, peppers, and garlic to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, adobo seasoning, bay leaf, and beef broth to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Return the steak to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the steak is tender enough to shred with a fork.
8. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
9. Shred the steak with a fork and return it to the pan. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
10. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
11. Serve hot with rice and beans.

Nutrition:

This recipe serves 6-8 people and contains approximately 300 calories per serving. It's a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin C.

Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo is a classic Cuban dish that's made with chicken and rice. Here's what you'll need to make it:

• 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Add the rice to the pan and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the rice mixture.
8. Cover the pan and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Add the frozen peas to the pan and stir to combine.
10. Cover the pan and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
11. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
12. Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition:

This recipe serves 4-6 people and contains approximately 400 calories per serving. It's a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamin A.

Tostones

Tostones are a popular Cuban side dish that's made with fried plantains. Here's what you'll need to make them:

• 2 green plantains
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the plantains and slice them into rounds that are about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the plantain rounds to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Remove the plantains from the pan and place them on a cutting board.
5. Use the bottom of a glass or a tostonera (a special tool for making tostones) to flatten the plantains into discs that are about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Return the flattened plantains to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove the tostones from the pan and sprinkle them with salt, to taste.
8. Serve hot as a side dish or snack.

Nutrition:

This recipe makes about 12 tostones and contains approximately 70 calories per tostone. It's a good source of fiber and potassium.

Conclusion

Cuban cuisine is full of bold flavors and unique ingredients, and these cocina cubana recetas are a great way to experience them for yourself. Whether you're looking for a hearty main course or a savory side dish, these recipes are sure to satisfy. So fire up your stove and start cooking!