ropa vieja

On a recent trip to Cuba, we were served Ropa Vieja and Black Beans practically each and every meal, along with a Mojito.  In this version of Ropa Vieja "Old clothes" I used more peppers to add more color and fiber and cooked it in a pressure cooker to speed things up.  Alternatively, this would work well in an Instant Pot if you have one.   Serve with Cuban-Style Black Beans.  

Time: Under 30 minutes
Level: Medium
​Servings: Four

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb boneless Chuck Roast, cubed
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• ½ Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 ¼ cups Water
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup Cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon fresh Lime Juice
• Pitted Green Olives (Optional)

 
Spice Mix

• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
  
• ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper​

PREPARATION

1. Heat Pressure cooker to medium and add Olive Oil.  Add Onion and cook 2 minutes.
2. Add Meat, sprinkle with Spice Mix and brown for 2 minutes.
3. Add Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Peppers and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add Water and bring to a boil. 
5. Cover Pressure cooker and cook for 40 minutes on MEDIUM when pressure is reached.
   
6. Depressurize, shred beef, stir, and add in Lime Juice and Cilantro.  Add Olives if desired.