How important are olives in Ropa Vieja? Can I substitute/omit them?
I'm looking to make some Ropa Vieja in my crock pot but I've got a picky eater who refuses to touch anything with olives or capers in it. My concern is that something about the briney/acidic nature of the olives helps break down the otherwise lackluster flank steak in the dish. Is this the case or are the olives something that can be omitted without consequence? Is there an acceptable substitute?
Best Answer
I've seen recipes that stir in the olives at the end of the cooking time. You can leave them out with no ill-effects. Olive and capers are not that easy to substitute for. Maybe a dash of vinegar would add the acidity that the dish needs.
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What is the best cut of meat for ropa vieja?
Ropa vieja is usually made with flank steak, a lean cut with long, thick strands of muscle fiber that can quickly dry out when overcooked. It's at its best when briefly seared, then sliced thinly across the grain to minimize the chewiness of those fibers.What does ropa vieja consist of?
Ropa vieja (Spanish pronunciation: [\u02c8ro. pa \u02c8\u03b2je. xa]; "old clothes") is a dish with regional variations in Latin America, the Philippines, and Spain. It normally includes some form of stewed beef and tomatoes with a sofrito base.Why is it called ropa vieja?
Like many great parts of Cuban culture, ropa vieja started life in Spain. Its name literally translates to 'old clothes' and the story goes that a penniless old man once shredded and cooked his own clothes because he could not afford food for his family.Ropa Vieja | Braised Shredded Beef Brisket | Cuban Recipes | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks
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