Cuban cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, resulting in a vibrant array of dishes that highlight tropical ingredients, slow-cooked meats, and bold seasonings. Whether you’re a fan of savory roasted pork, hearty black beans, or sweet guava pastries, Cuban food has something to satisfy every palate.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of traditional Cuban food recipes that you can recreate at home to bring the taste of Cuba to your kitchen. From iconic dishes like Ropa Vieja to comforting Arroz con Pollo, get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey!
1. Ropa Vieja (Cuban Shredded Beef Stew)
One of Cuba’s most famous dishes, Ropa Vieja literally translates to “old clothes.” This dish features shredded beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank steak or chuck roast
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and spices. Stir well.
- Return the beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the beef with two forks, mix it with the sauce, and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with white rice and fried plantains.
2. Arroz con Pollo (Cuban Chicken and Rice)
A staple dish in Cuban households, Arroz con Pollo is a flavorful one-pot meal featuring rice, chicken, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1½ cups long-grain rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp saffron (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
- Add tomato sauce, broth, and spices, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the rice, then nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Picadillo (Cuban Ground Beef Stew)
Cuban Picadillo is a rich and savory ground beef stew with a touch of sweetness from raisins and a briny kick from green olives.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup green olives, sliced
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and sauté until soft.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, olives, raisins, and spices. Mix well.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with white rice or fried plantains.
4. Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)
Tostones are crispy, twice-fried green plantains that make a delicious side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 green plantains
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices until golden (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove and flatten each piece using a tostonera or the back of a spoon.
- Return to the skillet and fry again until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and serve warm.
5. Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)
Cuban Frijoles Negros (black beans) are a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with white rice.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried black beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Add the soaked beans, water, and spices. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1½ – 2 hours, or until beans are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with white rice.
6. Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries)
Pastelitos de Guayaba are sweet and flaky pastries filled with guava paste and cream cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz guava paste, sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut puff pastry into squares. Place a slice of guava paste and cream cheese in the center.
- Fold the pastry over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
7. Café Cubano (Cuban Coffee)
No Cuban meal is complete without a strong, sweet Café Cubano.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp finely ground Cuban coffee
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Brew the coffee using an espresso maker or stovetop Moka pot.
- In a small cup, mix sugar with a few drops of hot coffee to create a thick foam (espuma).
- Pour the brewed coffee over the espuma and mix well.
- Serve in small espresso cups.
Conclusion
Cuban cuisine is all about bold flavors, simple ingredients, and heartwarming meals meant to be shared with family and friends. Whether you try the rich Ropa Vieja, the comforting Arroz con Pollo, or the sweet Pastelitos de Guayaba, these recipes will transport you straight to the heart of Cuba.
Enjoy cooking, and ¡Buen provecho! 🍽️
