Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja: Cuba’s famously delicious shredded beef stew with peppers. Ropa Vieja means “old clothes” in Spanish. Old clothes tend to be shredded and so is the beef in this stew, hence the name. This kind of dish is perfect for the slow cooker. The long, slow braise tenderizes the meat and allows all the wonderful flavors to soak in.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 pounds London broil or boneless chuck roast (flank steak or brisket also work well)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 carrot, scraped and sliced in half lengthwise
1 Cubanelle pepper or green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
1 whole head of garlic, cloves peeled and roughly chopped (10 cloves or 3 1/2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup dry white wine (Vermouth works well)
2 cups good quality canned tomato puree (such as Muir Glenn organic)
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 cup low-salt chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup sliced green olives
1 tablespoon white vinegar
GARNISH:
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 lime or two, cut into wedges
INSTRUCTIONS