A Cuban woman in the United States, identified as @yisi9 on TikTok, shared a video showing how she prepares Cuban-style pea stew, a common dish in households on the island.
In the recording, he notes that he didn't like this dish in Cuba, but once he was abroad, he started to appreciate it: "In Cuba, I hated it, but once I arrived in this country, it became one of my favorite foods."
The video details the entire process: it uses yellow split peas, cooks them with chicharrones for flavor, and then incorporates a sofrito with pepper, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and complete seasoning, a condiment he considers essential: “I really like complete seasoning; I think it adds the finishing touch.”
It also adds pumpkin, potato, and salt to taste, and recommends chopping the root vegetables "into very small cubes" so they cook faster. "We will stir it and put the pressure back on, so it absorbs the flavor of the seasoning and the root vegetables soften," he explains.
When showing the final result, he says: "This is how my pea stew looks after 10 minutes, with its zucchini, potatoes, and of course, the chicharrones that are a must." He adds that it doesn't need any sides: "This broth doesn’t need anything at all, not even lemon. You can eat it just like this."
The post received comments from users in various countries who shared how this legume is known in their places of origin — such as peas, lentils, or alverjas — and how it is traditionally cooked. Some recalled its frequent presence in Cuban cuisine: “That was often our daily bread,” wrote one user.
This is not the first time the Cuban has generated interaction on social media. Last November, she captured the attention of the networks with her reflection on weight gain in men when they are in a stable relationship, where she stated that “a man in love with his woman gains about 5 to 10 pounds.”
Frequently asked questions about pea stew and Cuban cuisine abroad
How is Cuban-style pea stew prepared?
Cuban-style split pea stew is prepared using yellow split peas, which are cooked with pork cracklings to enhance the flavor. A sofrito is made with bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomato puree, and complete seasoning, considered the key ingredient. Pumpkin, potato, and salt to taste are added, cutting the vegetables into small cubes to ensure they cook faster. Finally, it is stirred and cooked under pressure so that it absorbs the flavor of the seasoning and the vegetables become tender.
Why is pea stew so popular in Cuba?
The pea stew is popular in Cuba primarily due to its availability and low cost, making it a staple food in the diet of many Cubans. This dish has been a symbol of survival during food crises on the island, being commonly found in schools, hospitals, and workplaces because of its low cost compared to other legumes.
How has the perception of Cubans about split pea soup changed after emigrating?
For some Cubans who have emigrated, such as content creator @yisi9, the perception of pea stew has changed significantly. In Cuba, the stew may not be highly regarded due to its frequency and association with scarcity, but when abroad, it transforms into a nostalgic dish cherished for its flavor and the reminder of cultural roots.
What other Cuban recipes have gained popularity on TikTok?
In addition to the pea stew, other Cuban recipes that have gained popularity on TikTok include shrimp-stuffed tostones, Cuban chiviricos, and Thanksgiving turkey marinade. These recipes not only stand out for their flavor but also for the creativity and ingenuity of Cubans in adapting ingredients in different contexts.
Filed under:
