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Ropa vieja

Simmer beef in salted water with a bay leaf 90 minutes until it shreds. Lift, shred, keep a cup of broth.

Questions about this dish

Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips โ€” not a chatbot.

How long does Ropa vieja take?

2 hr 45 min all in โ€” 15 min prep, 2 hr 30 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.

How many does it serve?

The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.

How hard is it?

Easy.

How spicy is it?

No chilli.

Does it fit a diet?

The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Gluten-free.

What does it cost to cook?

Weeknight budget โ€” about $8โ€“16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.

What equipment do I need?

Dutch oven, Frying pan.

How much salt do I put in?

The recipe lists Salt at 1ยฝ tsp.

What can I use instead?

Flank โ†’ Chuck or leftover pot roast. Same sofrito. Still shred.

Any tips from this recipe?

A pressure cooker cuts the simmer to 35 minutes. Yesterday's pot is louder. Reheat with a splash of broth.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yesterday's pot is louder. Reheat with a splash of broth.

Can I use an air fryer?

This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.

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