You’ve probably had a good Cuban sandwich or a creamy, delectable Cuban-style flan. That’s simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the variety of traditional Cuban cuisine. In this article we will be discussing some of the best traditional Cuban dishes you must try when in Cuba.
There are many things to like about Cuban culture, and one of them is, without a doubt, the food. Cuban recipes are surprisingly simple and tasty, disguised in a rustic cooking style apart from many modern technical breakthroughs. The rich and neutral flavor of Cuban food is at its heart, a well-balanced taste that avoids extremes. This fantastic feature captures the essence of the Cuban people. Wonderful Cuban cuisine is like the unending joy and allure of the country’s music, dance, and tropical landscape.
Cuban cuisine, like its culture, thrives on variety. Spanish, African, indigenous, and other Caribbean civilizations have had the most effect. The most valuable asset in Cuban cuisine is this concoction of tastes. We have curated a list of the 10 best traditional Cuban dishes you must try below. Choose your pick!
Check out our list of the 10 best traditional Cuban dishes you must try:
1. Arroz y Frijoles Negros (Rice and Black Beans)
Rice and black beans are a must-have for each Cuban meal. It is hard to enjoy a proper Cuban lunch or dinner without them. The main meal, such as Ropa vieja or Lechón Asado, is always served with rice and black beans.
The dish is easy, but it takes time to prepare, particularly the beans. There is no canning involved with this recipe. The key to this dish is the specific processing of these two products. Cooking the rice till it falls apart is the key. Like a stew, the beans should have a creamy, smooth texture.
2. Yuca con Mojo (Yucca con Mojo Salsa)
Another dish that is traditionally served during Cuban family gatherings is yucca with mojo. It’s a simple, healthful dish that’s typically served as an appetizer. That’s because, due to the high glucose content of this tuber, it’s not a good idea to eat it in excessive quantities. Because of the high concentration of glucose created by this tuber, it is not suggested to eat in big quantities.
3. Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice)
One of the most well-known Cuban recipes for mixed rice is imperial rice. This recipe, like arroz con pollo, uses food coloring or tomato sauce to tint the rice yellow.
Shredded chicken, fried ripe banana, mayonnaise, and bell peppers are among the ingredients in this rice dish. All of the components are prepared separately, then combined to produce a rice cake.
4. Picadillo a la Habanera (Ground Beef)
Ground beef a la habanera is a slice of delightful ground meat cooked with seasonings, tomato sauce, potatoes, and olives over low heat. The origins of this dish can be traced back to Cuba’s Spanish history. It can be made with any sort of meat, although the most common are beef, hog, chicken, and turkey.
For Cubans, this dish is a daily meal. It’s usually served with rice and fried ripe plantains, with beans thrown in for good measure.
5. Fricasé de Pollo (Chicken Fricassee)
Another exquisite dish in which meat is served in a lovely tomato sauce seasoned with herbs is chicken fricassee. The chicken is chopped into pieces and marinated with salt, smashed garlic, onion wheels, chili pepper, bay leaf, and sour orange juice for a few hours.
After browning the chicken pieces in hot butter or oil, add the onions, chile peppers, well-crushed garlic, bay leaf, and orange to the marinade. Add the tomato puree, dry wine, water, salt, and pepper to finish.
6. Tamal Cubano (Cuban Tamal)
The tamale is a traditional cuisine in many parts of Latin America, owing to the fact that it is made from corn, which is a major agricultural crop in this region. However, each location or country develops this recipe in its own unique way.
The Cuban tamale comes in a variety of flavors, from sweet to seasoned meat and sauce. The texture varies depending on whether the food is cooked in sheets (solid) or in a casserole (thick or pasty soup).
7. Vaca Frita (Fried Beef)
Fried beef is a dish that is quite similar to Ropa Vieja, and the meat preparation is almost identical. Fried beef, unlike Ropa Vieja, does not contain tomato sauce.
Beef is boiled and shredded, then marinated in lime or sour orange juice and salt. Then it’s cooked with onion and garlic. This is a pretty easy and yummy meal.
8. Arroz Amarillo Con Pollo (Yellow Rice with Chicken)
On the Creole menu, mixed rice dishes are particularly popular. They’re usually served at Sunday family gatherings and other special occasions. This dish is a simplified version of Spanish paella that is simple to prepare in big numbers. Despite its simplicity, though, it has a distinct flavor.
Depending on the cook’s preference, yellow rice with chicken can have a variety of textures. It is still one of the best traditional Cuban dishes you must try.
9. Enchilado de Camarones (Shrimp Enchilado)
Shrimp is another versatile meal that is part of Cuba’s culinary legacy. It’s a fantastic ingredient, similar to lobster. The truth is that, while it is not cheap for Cubans, it is incredibly cheap for foreigners.
Because of the fragrance of the spice, while it cooks, shrimp enchilados are considered to be impossible to disguise. It’s really simple to make; all you need is a spicy tomato sauce.
10. Sandwich Cubano (Cuban Sandwich)
The Cuban sandwich is one of the most popular contributions to Cuban cuisine made by the Cuban American population. This semi-hard bread serves as the foundation for two popular sandwiches: pan con lechón (roast pig) and ham and cheese.
The Cuban sandwich consists of ham, cheese, and roast pork. After that, simply top with mustard, pickles, and, occasionally, mojo salsa.
Some of the best traditional Cuban dishes are mentioned above. A single Cuban dish has a tale to tell as well as an unforgettable flavor. Each Cuban cuisine has several variations, based on the resources available.
Also, Checkout: 10 Best Foods To Try In St. Martins
