I have kind of a thing for Ropa Vieja and if you’re here, maybe you do, too. I already have a recipe on my site for a long-simmered, Slow Cooker Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja, long a family fave, but these days, I’m all about the Instant Pot…and so I wondered if an Instant Pot Ropa Vieja would be just as good. Verdict: Yup, yup, yup! It’s fabulous.
Instant Pot Ropa Vieja
When I made my Lechon Asado the other day, of course, I made Cubano Sandwiches with the leftovers. I love love love Cubanos! I wasn’t feeling the usual suspects, fries or chips as a side. No, I wanted something bright, fresh and summery. So why not Cuban Cabbage Salad?
Cuban Cabbage Salad
This is my Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja. Yeah, it translates to old clothes or old rags because the meat is cooked to shreds – gosh that name just does not do this lovely meal justice! Slowly simmered beef, simmered until it’s all but fallen apart, with garlic and cumin and aromatics. And then there are the peppers. Oh my.
Cuban Ropa Vieja – Shredded Beef
You can have a plain old pork chop any day of the week, but why, when in a few minutes more you can pull off this gorgeous little dish and look like a hero? Cumin Dusted Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze are beautifully cooked pork chops served up in a garlicky, citrusy glaze tempered by the earthy cumin. The flavors in that glaze just pop.
Cumin Dusted Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze
The Cuban sandwich – such a classic and so American, from what I understand! And like many classics, the Cubano Cuban Sandwich sparks heated debate. There are those who say the bread makes the sandwich and it’s impossible to have a great one outside of Miami – I disagree. I think you will, too, after your first bite of this one!
Cubano Sandwich