Ana’s Ropa Vieja with Muchos Spices and Red Wine
- March 2021
- By Ana Osadzinski (Colet)
- Recipe from Cuba
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- (7)
This ropa vieja sent to us by Ana Osadzinski (Colet), one of our favorite Cuban food abuela homecooks. Congratulations, Ana, for winning the Familia Kitchen Recipe Contest for Your Favorite Ropa Vieja with this family-famous receta!
Ana was born in the city of Bayamo, located on the island’s Oriente province—and moved to the States at age 14. Ana is an expert at making this dish. In fact, she reports, ropa vieja is one of her most requested dishes from her now-grown kids and their kids. A close second is her picadillo with olives and raisins, which she serves with crunchy yuca con mojo—or tostones.
Today, the star of el show is Ana’s ropa vieja. Key to the depth and richness of this traditional Cuban dish is the seasoning. Use a lot, Ana says. “I pretty much use all my spices, everything but the kitchen sink,” she jokes. “And don’t forget the red wine. That’s what makes it really good. Be sure to use a dry, light wine. Make sure it’s a good one. You know what they say: If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.”
How often does she make her ropa vieja? “Every time we get together,” says Ana, “my family asks me to make it. I know I’ll be cooking it when I see them in California next month. They’re already asking for it. It’s a family favorite.”
Ready to make Ana’s family-famous and Familia Kitchen contest-winning ropa vieja recipe?
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good job Ana