As famous chef Julia Child famously stated, “The best people are always those who love to eat.” Their passion for cuisine has been elevated to a whole new dimension in Cuba.
Were you aware that the cuisine of Cuba is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences? Every plate has a tantalising fusion party going on.
Come along on a gastronomic adventure through the dynamic metropolis of Cuban food, where basic ingredients are transformed into mouthwatering creations. Take a seat at your imaginary table and let yourself and your companions explore the delectable world of Cuban flavours.
This article is a perfect read if you want to know more about the food on the Island !
Cuba’s food and national dishes
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Cuban household have some beloved dishes ! Food is a great part of Cuban culture and the most popular food is not always found in the street, but in house . The traditional cuban cuisine could be compare to the one of Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico. The history with Spanish people and the cultural evolution tell the story of the country , and the flow of Spanish immigrants built traditional recipe for Cuban cooking . This is special place where the food is definitively not the best in the world , but there is an interesting traditional food list to try !
Arroz con pollo
A popular dish in Cuban homes, arroz con pollo is a one-pot marvel akin to its Spanish cousin paella. Rice and chicken are cooked together in one pot in this easy and filling recipe. Rice, sofrito (a blend of onions, peppers, and garlic), chicken stock, bijol spice, quartered chicken thighs, and a dash of beer for flavour are basic components. It’s a tasty blend of components that comes together in a tasty symphony.
But that’s not all—hold on! For a splash of colour, traditional variants could include roasted red peppers or peas. Picture a flavorful hotpot bursting with the flavours of beer, spices, and chicken. Arroz with pollo is a tasty, straightforward dish that unites family members around the table, much like a Cuban embrace in a bowl.
Ropa vieja
The Ropa vieja, the national dish of cuba, translates to “old clothes” in Spanish. A Spanish-inspired meal that is produced by gently boiling shredded beef with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and wine in a tomato sauce. Typically, this meal is served with tostones, which are fried crushed plantains, or maduro, sweet plantains, over white rice. Vaca frita is a version of this meal made with marinated flank steak cooked with garlic & salt.
Picadillo
Picadillo, a classic Cuban recipe, is an easy and delectable midweek dinner option. Ground beef is first cooked with salt, oregano, bay leaves, onions, and bell peppers. Simmer this combination with tomato sauce, cooking wine, raisins, and olives over low heat and watch magic unfold.
Tight absorption of umami occurs when that you add white rice as the flavours dance. This dish’s origins are in Portugal, where the term “picar,” which means “to chop,” is the source of the word picadillo. It resembles a tasty tune being created on your plate by a symphony of elements coming together. A feast of flavours is produced by the combination of the umami of the meat, the sugar content of the rhubarb, and the saltiness of the olives.
Picadillo is the spot to go if you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dinner that comes together quickly. Easy, fulfilling, and really delicious!
Yuca
Cuban cuisine’s crown gem is yuca, which is the cassava plant’s root. It tastes like potatoes and is the major side dish that gives Cuban food its unique flavour. Originating in South America, cassava is used in many different Latin American and Caribbean dishes. When the yuca is cooked to a soft consistency and turned into a delectable meal, magic happens in Cuba.
But there’s still more! Once cooked, a thick coating of garlic mojo intensifies the flavour even more. Imagine the mellowness of yuca combined with the flavour of garlic. A straightforward yet tasty concoction that will give your Cuban table a distinctive flare.
Remember to honour Yuca the next time you eat Cuban cuisine. It’s like the hidden hero that elevates everyday dinners to gastronomic journeys.
Congris
A well-known Cuban meal made with black beans is called congris. This recipe is a tasty combination of white rice and black beans that can be enjoyed for any time of day. It’s comparable to a well-liked culinary pair seen on every Cuban table.
That’s not all, though. A thick and filling black bean soup also contains black beans. This soup is a superb example of slow cooking; it employs every item you have on hand and boils for hours to produce a hearty, tasty meal. Not all of it is black beans.
Frijoles colorados, or red beans, are another ingredient.
This black bean and rice combo, with variations like Kong Gri or various red bean versions, is a staple across the island. Look out for Congri if you’re in Cuba.
Ajiaco
Ajiaco, a stew with a hint of each delectable ingredient, is similar to a Cuban hug. The essence of Cuban food is encapsulated in this well-known dish. Imagine a clever chef utilising every ingredient at hand to produce this hearty feast. A tasty mixture of maize, sweet potatoes, plantains, malanga and your preferred meat of pork or beef is included inside the pot.
Add tomato paste, onion, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for more flavour. Mix ingredients to make a warming and filling stew. Ajiako is not merely a food item.
It’s a happy celebration of culinary creativity and inventiveness. Make sure to taste Ajiaco if you ever find yourself in Cuba. Combining the island’s greatest flavours is akin to a gourmet journey.
Lechón
The main attraction of Cuban festivities is lechon lechon. The highlight of the occasion is the roast suckling pig. Imagine this: Once the skin is beautiful and crispy, rotate the entire pig on a spit.
The trade secret? It gets a distinct Cuban flavour from the mojo, a fragrant marinade that is applied liberally. Lechon is the main course when the family gets together for supper. I Haden’t had a such intriguing dish in a long time.
They will all love the juicy, crispy flavour. The truly fantastic portion comes next.
Even with leftovers, Lechon has an additional act. It creates the delectable “pan con lechon” sandwich. Imagine creating a delectable delicacy to spice up your festivities by sandwiching succulent roast pork between slices of bread. Lechon is not only a meal. Cuban parties are unique because of this custom and joyful emblem. Don’t pass up the chance to try the delectable lechon if you happen to be vacationing in Cuba. It is going to be a unique gastronomic adventure.
Croquetas
The Spanish brought the delectable appetiser, croqueta, to Cuba. Imagine it as a really tasty donut.
Tiny dough balls are filled with a mixture of minced gammon, chicken and occasionally fish, together with onions and garlic. When these tasty bundles are placed into the deep-frying pan and emerge as crispy rectangle rolls, magic happens. These croquettes from Cuba are not only for munching.
They’re a tasty breakfast or a light snack that pay homage to fusion cuisine. Perfect with French fries
Flan
Flan, with a distinct Cuban flair, is a beloved dessert in Latin America. Instead of using fresh milk, people in Cuba add creaminess and richness by using canned or evaporated milk. When caramel, eggs, and vanilla are combined, this recipe turns into a wonderful treat. Humble dish but very good
The caramel transforms into a silky smooth flan dough after baking and chilling, where magic happens. The combination of flavours and textures is akin to a delightful symphony. The wonderful thing is that every Cuban restaurant serves this delectable delight. It’s not just dessert, either. It’s a delightful finale that will make your palate dance, and it goes well with any Cuban dinner.
Final Words
Every dish in the vibrant world of Cuban cuisine has a backstory, and every taste is a celebration. Cuban food is a flavorful trip that starts with the hearty arroz con pollo and ends with the sweet aftertaste of pastelitos and flan. You can feel the Spanish influences and Cuban people love their food ! In recent years it even became better due to the development of tourism and the restaurants . You will find some Cuban dishes and some international cuisine too .
Thus, as you savour these foods, you’re experiencing Cuba’s essence and spirit rather than just eating. Raise a glass to a fantastic journey!
WHO AM I ?
Hello !
I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover
I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.
I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
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