Cuban cuisine is a delicious blend of Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, resulting in dishes that are bold, flavorful and deeply satisfying. Meals in Cuban homes are meant to bring people together, filled with vibrant colors and rich aromas. If you’re cooking at home or looking for an authentic dining experience, Cuban cuisine offers a unique taste of the island’s culture and history.
The basics of Cuban cooking
Cuban recipes rely on fresh and simple ingredients that create deep, complex flavors. Some of the most common ingredients are
- Garlic and onions: Used as a base for many dishes.
- Citrus juices (lime and sour orange): Essential in marinades and dressings.
- Spices (cumin, oregano and bay leaves): Add warmth and depth to any dish.
- Rice and beans: Staples in almost every Cuban meal.
- Plantains: Served fried or as tostones, they add a crunchy texture to the table.
With these key ingredients, you can make some of the most popular Cuban dishes at home.
How to prepare classic Cuban dishes
Ropa Vieja, Cuba’s signature dish: One of Cuba’s most famous dishes, ropa vieja features shredded beef in a savory tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, cook flank steak in beef broth until tender (about 2 hours), then shred.
- In a skillet, saute onions, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.
- Add tomatoes, cumin, oregano, bay leaves and shredded beef. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve with white rice and black beans for an authentic meal.
Vaca Frita, a crispy beef favorite: Another popular Cuban dish is Vaca Frita, which means “fried cow.” It’s a crispy and flavorful shredded beef dish that’s marinated in citrus juice and pan-fried.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook flank steak in salted water until tender (about 1.5 hours), then shred.
- Marinate shredded beef with lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan and fry beef until crispy.
- Serve with white rice and black beans.
Arroz Moro, the perfect side dish: Arroz Moro, or Moros y Cristianos, is a Cuban staple of black beans and rice cooked together for a rich and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black beans (soaked overnight)
- 2 cups rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 cups water or broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Cook black beans until tender.
- In a separate saucepan, sauté onions, peppers, and garlic.
- Add rice, black beans, cumin, oregano, and water/broth.
- Cover and cook over low heat until rice is tender.
Tostones, crispy green plantains:Tostones: Crispy green plantains: Tostones are twice-fried green plantains that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are the perfect snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 green plantains
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and slice plantains into 1-inch slices.
- Fry plantain slices in hot oil until golden, then remove and drain.
- Flatten each piece with a plate or tostonera.
- Fry again until crisp, then sprinkle with salt.
Classic Cuban Mojito, the ultimate refreshing drink: The Mojito is one of the most famous Cuban cocktails, made with fresh mint, lime juice and rum.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 6 mint leaves
- Soda water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle mint leaves with sugar and lime juice in a glass.
- Fill with ice, rum and soda water.
- Stir gently and garnish with more mint leaves.
Experience authentic Cuban cuisine in Havana 1957
If you crave these incredible flavors but don’t want to cook at home, visit Havana 1957 for an authentic Cuban dining experience. Their menu features classic dishes like ropa vieja, vaca frita, arroz moro, and crispy tostones, all prepared with traditional ingredients and techniques. To complement your meal, try one of their signature mojitos, available in flavors such as coconut, passion fruit, mango, and even the Mojito Royal with Prosecco.
Reserve your table at Havana 1957 at the location of your choice:
Havana 1957 – Ocean Drive & 14th Street
Havana 1957 – Ocean Drive & 9th Street
Havana 1957 – Pembroke Pines Mall
Cooking Cuban food at home is a great way to experience its rich and varied flavors. From slow-cooked meats to vibrant side dishes and refreshing drinks, each recipe tells a story of Cuban heritage. From preparing ropa vieja to sipping a homemade mojito, you’ll appreciate the island’s bold and comforting flavors.
For those who prefer to enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine without the hassle, Havana 1957 offers a menu filled with traditional favorites, expertly prepared and served in a vibrant setting. Visit Havana 1957 today and experience the best of Cuban cuisine!