Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine, where food is a celebration of love, family, and friendship. Discover an exquisite fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences that create a diverse and exciting menu. From the staple rice and beans to mouthwatering dishes bursting with big flavors, every bite is an adventure.
But what sets Cuban food apart? It’s all about freshness, seasonality, and organic ingredients. Simplicity meets deliciousness in every dish, making each bite a true delight.
Now, let’s talk about the price. Whether you’re grabbing a quick, affordable pizza from a local spot or indulging in a sit-down feast at a top-notch restaurant, Cuban cuisine offers choices for every budget. You can enjoy a delectable meal for as low as USD3 or go all out for a memorable dining experience around USD25 or more.
And guess what? You can recreate these amazing dishes at home too! Our selection of recipes brings the flavors of Cuba straight to your kitchen, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of Cuban cuisine whenever you like.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re new to Cuban cuisine or a longtime fan, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us and discover the magic of Cuban food today!
In Cuba, getting some pork on your fork is rather simple, it is after all the most commonly used meat in Cuba and they have various ways of making it delicious.
Lechon Asado
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Lechon Asado – a slow-roasted pork infused with a tantalizing blend of spices and herbs. This succulent dish is marinated overnight in a citrusy and garlicky mixture, resulting in a tender and flavorful masterpiece. As it roasts for hours, the meat becomes irresistibly juicy. Elevate your experience by pairing it with traditional Cuban sides like congri and fried plantains, or keep it simple with rice and salad.
Lechón asado, traditionally prepared with a whole suckling pig, offers various flavor variations depending on your location. However, due to practical reasons, many Cubans opt for a pot roast using pork leg or shoulder. But fear not, the deliciousness remains intact!
Preparing this dish is a breeze! With just 10 minutes of preparation and 3 hours of cooking time, you’ll be savoring this culinary wonder in no time.
Gather your mortar and pestle or food processor to create a flavorful paste by combining chopped onion, garlic, and other ingredients. Remove the skin and fat from the pork, then generously rub the marinade all over. Let it marinate overnight in the fridge.
On the cooking day, let the pork reach room temperature before pre-heating the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place a small cup of water in the baking dish, cover the pork, and let it cook for 2 hours. Then, uncover and cook for an additional hour to achieve perfection.
Once the pork is cooked, you’ll be rewarded with tender slices of heaven. Serve it with plain rice and a simple salad, or take it up a notch with congri. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the pan juices over your rice for an extra burst of flavor.
Get ready to savor the irresistible taste of Lechon Asado – a tantalizing pork dish that will leave you craving for more.
Chicherones
Whilst we are on pork, lets mention this delicious little morsel that can either be eaten as a ‘beer snack’ or as a condiment adding flavour to your rice.
What is it? A delectable dish made from pork skin and fat! With just a few simple steps, you can create this crispy, flavorful snack in no time.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Ingredients:
– Pork skin, fat, or belly (amounts up to you)
– Cooking oil or lard
– Salt
Preparation:
1. Begin by separating the skin from the fat or meaty parts. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture we crave.
2. Cut all the bits into 1cmx1cm squares, keeping the skin separate from the fatty/meaty bits.
3. In a medium pot, heat the fatty bits over medium-low heat until most of the fat has liquified. This will take around 15 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove these delicious morsels, which make for an ideal keto snack. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt on them!
4. Next, cook the meaty bits in the same oil/fat over medium heat. Once cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and season with salt.
5. Now it’s time for the star of the show – the skin! Increase the heat to high and add the pork rinds. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they bubble and puff up to perfection. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
6. Store your crackling in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
Get ready to indulge in this irresistible treat that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Don’t miss out on the delight of homemade crackling – the ultimate snack for any occasion!
Cuban Sandwich
Cubans are great at re-using things and not just when it comes to keeping their classic cars on the road. They also have ways to repurpose food and turn one thing into 3 – we just shown you how to do that with a simple roast pork, have you notices?
We took the skin off the roast to start with, to make chicherrones. We made the roast pork and now we are making a delicious Cuban Sandwich out of that pork.
No without further a do –
Introducing the Cubano sandwich – a mouthwatering creation brought to life by innovative Cuban immigrants in Florida. These flavor-packed sandwiches were designed to provide a satisfying and portable lunch option.
At the heart of the Cubano sandwich lies the star ingredient – succulent roasted pork marinated in a zesty mojo sauce. This marinade features a delightful blend of tangy orange juice, refreshing lime juice, aromatic garlic, fragrant oregano, and flavorful cumin. The resulting roast pork is so delicious that using leftovers to create your Cubanos is an absolute must. Prepare your taste buds for a treat they won’t soon forget!
To assemble this delectable sandwich, start with a loaf of Cuban bread, or alternatively, French bread, Panini, or soft bread rolls. Spread a generous amount of American or yellow mustard on both sides of the bread. Next, layer on the sliced ham, followed by the mouthwatering Cuban roast pork, dill pickles, and Swiss cheese. Top it all off with another slice of bread.
The order of layering is crucial to ensure the perfect flavor balance in every bite. Once assembled, place the sandwich in a sandwich press. The gentle press will compress the bread, resulting in a delightful bite with every mouthful.
Preparation time for this sensational creation is just 10 minutes, and cooking time is a mere 5 minutes. With minimal effort, you can indulge in the delectable flavors of the Cubano sandwich and experience the culinary ingenuity of the Cuban community.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable taste sensation – give the Cubano sandwich a try today and savor the deliciousness! Your taste buds will be forever grateful.
Introducing the amazing Tortilla de maiz, also known as the Corn Tortilla with a twist! This version is unlike any other corn tortilla you’ve ever tasted. It’s incredibly fluffy and unbelievably easy to make.
To whip up this scrumptious treat, all you need is the kernels from one sweet corn, an egg, onion, garlic, green capsicum, cumin, salt, and pepper. Just throw everything into a blender and give it a whirl until it transforms into a luscious liquid.
Once you have your corn mixture ready, simply add it to hot oil and cook it up in a flash. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying this delightful creation as quickly as you made it.
Get ready to savor a whole new level of corn tortilla perfection. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.
I have mentioned to you the way Cubans have to re-purpose things.. let’s look at Platanos 3 ways…
The first is simple…
Fried Banana Chips
You maybe looking at me funny right now. I know I first was thinking, how is this not sweet? But in Cuba, banana chips are salty.
The platanos are green when they get turned into this delicious snack. Just peel, slice in any direction you like and put in hot oil till they turn golden brown and crispy. Then add a hint of salt and enjoy.
So what else can you make with these?
Tostones
They are basically your fried bananas on next level.
Takes a bit more preparation in that you will have to boil and smash the banana pieces before you fry and add salt to it and savour these delicious morsels.
What it gives you is a bit more texture when eating these.
And I did promise three ways for this also… so what do you think the third way is?
Stuffed Tostones
is to add protein to your carbs – stuff the tostone!
On this occasion we have used garlic prawns to stuff it with, but realistically anything you can put in there that you like.
Cuban way is most definitely with meat of some sort. Yoanis’ pick would be ham and chees or Ropa Vieja.
What do you think will go well with it?
Cuban Black Bean Soup
Discover the power of black beans! These nutrient-packed ‘superfood’ beans are bursting with fiber, protein, and essential trace minerals for optimal health. If you’re looking to incorporate more of this nutritional powerhouse into your diet, look no further than this incredible Cuban black bean soup recipe.
To get started, make sure you soak your dried black beans overnight. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed soup:
Dried or canned black beans (see recipe card for details)
White onion
Carrots
Green bell pepper
Garlic
Bay leaves
Cumin
Stock – traditionally made with pork or chicken in Cuba
Salt and pepper
Now, let’s get cooking! Simply add all the ingredients to a pot – beans, carrots, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, cumin, salt & pepper, and stock. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for at least 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For an extra burst of flavor, I like to add a touch of celery and paprika, although these ingredients are not commonly used in Cuban cuisine.
Once the beans are soft, grab your potato masher and give them a gentle mash. This will help thicken the soup slightly, without turning it into a creamy bean soup.
Savor each spoonful of this hearty Cuban black bean soup, packed with goodness and bursting with flavor. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
In conclusion, Cuba is a culinary feast for those who are willing to celebrate and embrace the flavors of its culture. With an endless variety of dishes – from fried plantains to roast pork shoulder – Cuban cuisine has something to satisfy every palate. Whether you choose to enjoy these treats while visiting or following our recipes at home, you can be sure that they will tantalize your taste buds in ways you never thought possible. From habanero salsa to conucos de maíz, there’s no shortage of delicious Cuban foods to try. So why not join us in Cuba and savour the incredible flavours? We promise it will be an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget!
