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Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja is considered comfort food.  I can see why.  I first had ropa vieja on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at La Caridad.  This traditional Spanish dish, which translates to “old clothes,” is so named because the shredded meat looks torn, like old clothing.

Prepared like a stew, the primary flavors–tomato, beef, pepper, olive, onion–combine in a soul-warming way.  Often described as a Cuban dish, ropa vieja originated in Spain–the Canary Islands, not the Spanish mainland, to be exact.  It is believed that citizens of the Canary Islands immigrated to Cuba, bringing many cultural customs and food with them, this hearty dish included.

Ropa vieja is traditionally made with flank steak that has been shredded, then boiled or stewed in a tomato base.  Most recipes call for the addition of green peppers, onions, and olives–giving it a briny and distinct stew-like flavor and texture.  It is often served paired with rice, beans, and fried plantains.

ropa vieja

Depending on the region or even household, you may see ropa vieja served with fried eggs or even fried potatoes on top.  Although a traditional preparation calls for sautéing the ingredients, more modern recipes have been adapted for slow cookers and crockpots, making this wonderful dish even easier for the home cook and great for families as well as larger social gatherings.

My ropa vieja recipe falls more on the traditional side, as I do not use a slow cooker; but it can easily be adapted for one.  My recipe uses beef, but you can easily use chicken if you prefer. Like most “stews,” this recipe is often better the next day, so I suggest you make some extra.

About the Author

Andrea Potischman

I am a professionally trained NYC chef turned CA mom and food blogger. I post about real food, with doable ingredient lists that are family friendly.

5 thoughts on "Ropa Vieja"

  1. Avatar photo Karen says:

    Just had this for dinner! SO GOOD!! But question… Were the simmer veggies intended to be incorporated in the final dish? I debated but ultimately added some of them because I wanted the carrots!

    1. Hooray, so glad you liked it Karen, this recipe won a Today Show website contest 🙂 No, the carrots were used only to help flavor the meat, not intended to be included but it’s fine you did! Thanks for dropping a comment.

  2. Avatar photo Kelly says:

    I cannot wait to try this!

    1. Excellent. And let me know your thoughts on it Kelly once you try it.

  3. Avatar photo Amy Thornborrow says:

    Sounds delicious and easy- will be trying this soon!

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