Dirty Laundry for Dinner ? (Ropa Vieja recipe)

My hubby is half Cuban. I love when he cooks Cuban food for me. He always told me about Ropa Vieja because he loved it as a child and it means “Dirty Laundry” I found this recipe and wanted to give it a shot this week since it has bell peppers in it.

The outcome: it was very good. The meat was tender and flavorful. We served it with brown rice and tostones (fried plantains) but it would also make a great sandwich.


Ropa Vieja in a crockpot (from Allrecipes.com)*Note – based on the reviews of this recipe, I changed it around quite a bit – I’m posting what I did, click the link above to see original and reviews 2 pounds beef flank steak
6 cloves garlic
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/2 inch strips
2 green bell peppers, cut into 1/2 inch strips
2 sweet onions, cut in wedges
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Place meat into slow cooker with the garlic, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir the tomato paste into the vinegar until dissolved; pour into slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables to crockpot.

Cover, and cook on Low until the beef is tender, 7 to 8 hours; then remove beef, and shred. Place meat back in crockpot.

Cook on High about 1 to 2 hours.

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11 Responses to “Indian Spiced Chickpeas with Spinach”

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    1
    USA Kiwi (Kylee) — February 20, 2013 at 9:34 am

    I love a good indian spiced dish – this looks great, and would be perfect to eat at lunchtime!

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    Shannon — February 20, 2013 at 10:33 am

    this sounds great- so quick and full of flavor, perfect for weekday lunches! hope things are going well in cinci!

    • beantownbaker — February 24th, 2013 @ 10:25 am

      Thanks – things are starting to get settled here. We are closing on a house in a few weeks, so we’ll be moving again soon. Hope all is going well for you back in Boston!

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    Nutmeg Nanny — February 21, 2013 at 9:37 am

    I hope you are finding Ohio welcoming…even though it’s cold! These chickpeas seem like the perfect dish to help you feel warm and cozy.

    • beantownbaker — February 24th, 2013 @ 10:26 am

      Thanks! We are finding Ohio welcoming. Everyone here is so nice (even if they can’t merge in to traffic to save their life…)

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    4
    Erica @ In and Around Town — February 21, 2013 at 9:50 am

    Chick peas and spinach – always make for a delicious and hearty meal! Definitely a good choice.

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    gerry — February 21, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    Is there a substitute for garam masala?

    • beantownbaker — February 24th, 2013 @ 10:28 am

      Garam Masala has a unique flavor, but it is made from a combination of other spices so I’m sure you could find a substitute on the internet somewhere…

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    Julia — March 9, 2013 at 2:42 am

    This is the perfect go-to recipe for a busy lifestyle…healthful, tasty and so easy to throw together! I hope things settle down for you and your hubs and your place begins feeling more warm and cozy! Meanwhile, you have a delicious satisfying recipe to comfort you!

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    Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen — March 10, 2013 at 11:28 am

    Oh yum, this looks so warming and delicious!

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