Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja is a classic Cuban dish of shredded beef with tomatoes, onions and bell peppers, often accented with the briny olives. The name translates as “old dress,”a reference to the tattered look of the shredded slow-cooked meat. We preferred flank steak for its rich, meaty flavor and unique muscle structure—the fibers shred easily after braising. Look for an extra-large flank steak, which should weigh about 3 pounds, or multiple steaks if you can't find one that large. We like ropa vieja served with rice and beans, along with fresh, crunchy red and white slaw