Delicacies of Cuba

Dish Ingredients
Ropa Vieja 1 table spoon of vegetable oil, 2 pounds beef flank steak, 1 cup beef broth, 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips, 1 small sliced onion, 2 chopped cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin. (Ropa Vieja recipe)
Arroz con Pollo 2 cups White Rice, 1 1/2 lB Roma tomatoes, cut in half, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 medium onion chopped, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 chopped carrot, 1/2 cup frozen corn, 1/2 frozen peas, salt, 3 pounds chicken thighs and legs, bone-in, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, to decorate. (Arroz con Pollo recipe)
Flan Caramel Sauce: 1 and 1/2 cups white sugar, 3 tablespoons water. For the flan: 6 large eggs, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces), 1 can of evaporated milk (12 ounces), 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Cuban Flan recipe)

Ropa Vieja's Importance

This dish is significant because it has been passed down through generations. Theres a legend that is important to the history of Ropa Vieja which is about an old man making a miracle stew using his old worn-out clothes (1). Ropa Vieja shows the influence of Spanish and African flavors in Cuban cuisine. Ropa Vieja is enjoyed by families during gatherings and brings people together during special occasions showing the cultural diversity of Cuba.

Arroz con Pollo Importance

This dish is significant because in Cuba it is a very beloved dish. It is sometimes referred to as "Cuban Paella." Originating from Spain, traveled to Cuba alongside other Spanish culinary traditions and underwent influences from African, Chinese, and Caribbean cooking styles. Arroz con Pollo is not only loved in Cuba but also across Latin America for its tasty mix of flavors and cultural importance.

Flan Importance

This dish is significant because the most common dessert served in Cuba is Flan. (2) It became a delicacy when Spaniards took it to America (3). "Ancient documents reveal stories of the sweet custard being served to Roman soldiers before trotting off to war." (2). "The flan's history is traced back to ancient Rome when egg surpluses were transformed into custards to produce both sweet and savory tastes." (3)

Citations: Ropa Vieja ingredients (1) Arroz con Pollo ingredients Cuban Flan Recipe (2) (3)