Home cooking attempt — Ropa Vieja from scratch

I spent an afternoon making Ropa Vieja from scratch following a traditional recipe. Getting black beans right was the main challenge — it's not as straightforward as it looks. The sweet from caramelised plantain result was rewarding once I got it right.

paladares are privately owned Cuban restaurants that developed as an alternative to state food service. I served it with Cristal beer as the recipe suggested and the pairing made sense. It took longer than I expected but the outcome was genuinely satisfying. Making Ropa Vieja yourself gives you a new appreciation for what goes into it at a restaurant.