The American TikTok user @alicialagringaa has gone viral after posting a video in which she shows how to prepare the popular ropa vieja, one of the most iconic dishes of Cuban cuisine.
"I love ropa vieja, and that's something we always eat at home," the young woman, married to a Cuban, explained while cooking enthusiastically and speaking with a Caribbean accent that delighted her followers.
"I think I almost have it perfect... not perfect because I'm not Cuban, but almost, almost there," she added with a laugh.
In the video, the American begins her recipe with a "mountain of onion," accompanied by green and red peppers. She then sears the meat with salt and pepper "until it takes on that nice color," before cooking the vegetables in the same juices to enhance the flavor.
“I love garlic, lots of garlic, to keep the vampires away in Havana,” he joked while using a press to avoid chopping by hand. He also added crushed tomatoes, dry wine, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, and a touch of concentrated broth. “That’s the most important ingredient, the little juice,” he remarked.
In the end, she mixed olives and served the dish with white rice and avocado. "My husband was really happy. A full belly makes for a happy heart," she said with a smile as she showcased the final result, which many described as "almost exactly like the original."
The video has already surpassed thousands of views and comments from Cubans celebrating their enthusiasm for island cuisine. "That gringa cooks better than I do," joked one user. Another wrote: "Adopt her as an honorary Cuban, she's earned it."
Filed under: