A young Cuban has caused a stir on TikTok after sharing a video showing her mother preparing breaded dogfish in an improvised kitchen using charcoal, in a rural area of the Sandino municipality in Pinar del Río province.
"Cooking with my mom p.s.: improvised cooking," wrote the user @karen_glln in the post that has already gone viral on the Chinese social network.
In the images, the mother is seen preparing the fish in a traditional manner, using the limited resources available and tapping into popular ingenuity to create a homemade meal.
The video has sparked the curiosity of many users about how the family obtained the fish, considering the severe food crisis affecting the island.
The mother did not hesitate to reply: "Advantages of living in a fishing port," she wrote, alluding to the geographical location of Sandino, close to the coast.
In the recording, the woman explains that the recipe can be prepared with "any seasoning available," adapting to what is on hand at home, as often happens in Cuban households.
The video captures a daily scene for many families in the countryside, who often have to improvise their kitchens and recipes amidst scarcity, relying on creativity to keep culinary traditions alive.
Frequently asked questions about Cuban cuisine and the food crisis in Cuba
What is the food situation like in Cuba?
The food situation in Cuba is critical due to a severe economic crisis that has led to food shortages. Families are struggling to obtain basic products and often have to rely on creativity and improvisation in their recipes, using the few resources available.
Why did the video of the makeshift kitchen go viral on TikTok?
The video of the improvised kitchen went viral because it showcases the reality of many Cuban families who must cook with whatever they have on hand, in this case, a dogfish in an improvised kitchen using charcoal. The video sparked curiosity and empathy among users, as it reflects the creativity and resilience of Cuban families in the face of the crisis.
How does the lack of electricity affect daily life in Cuba?
The lack of electricity severely impacts daily life in Cuba, making essential tasks such as cooking, storing food, and getting adequate rest more difficult. Families must adapt by using alternative methods like charcoal stoves and relying on neighborhood solidarity to charge basic devices.
What does culinary creativity represent in Cuban culture?
In Cuba, culinary creativity is a response to scarcity and is reflected in the ability to transform limited ingredients into tasty and traditional dishes. Cuban cuisine is a symbol of ingenuity and resilience, showcasing families' capacity to keep their culinary traditions alive despite challenges.
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