Ingredients
- Flank steak ( cut into 6 pieces)- 1.5 kg / 3 lbs
- Salt- To Taste
- Ground pepper- 1/2 tsp
- Low-sodium-beef/ chicken stock- 1 cup /250 ml
- Crushed tomatoes with juice- 1 cup / 1 can
- Spaghetti sauce- 1/4 cup
- Yellow onion- 2 medium ( finely chopped)
- Red bell pepper- 1 small (seeded & finely chopped)
- Garlic cloves- 4-5 (minced)
- Roasted ground cumin- 2 tsp
- Dry oregano leaves-2 tsp
- Bay leaves- 3
- Whole black pepper- 5-6
- Red chili flakes- 1/4 tsp( optional)
- Capers-3-4 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice- 3 tbsp
- Black beans/ white kidney beans- 1 can
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley- 1/2 cup , plus small spring for garnish.
Instructions
- Season flank steaks with salt and pepper. Spray your skillet with cooking spray or just heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil ( I used Canola). Transfer the steaks into the hot skillet and fry over high heat until well-browned.( 4-5 minutes)
- Flip and cook the second side. ( another 4- 5 minutes).
- In your slow cooker combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef/chicken stock, onion, red bell pepper,garlic, bay leaves, whole black pepper, cumin, oregano. Mix well. Add fried steaks.
- Set slow cooker " high" and cook 7-8 hours or until meat is very tender.
- HOW TO ASSEMBLE ROPA VIEJA
- Transfer the cooked meat onto the cutting board. Using 2 forks or 1 fork and a knife, shred the meat.
- With a large spoon discard any fat.
- Return the meat into the slow cooker, add capers, beans, lemon juice and fresh cilantro leaves. Mix well.
- Taste Ropa Vieja and adjust the seasonings with more lemon juice, pepper & salt.
- Cover and cook another 30 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with steamed rice or tortillas right away!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hours 30 mins
- Category: BEEF RECIPES/SLOW COOKER
- Cuisine: CUBAN/MEXICAN