Beef Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is a beloved Cuban dish featuring shredded beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, and olives. The name translates to "old clothes" in Spanish, referring to the shredded appearance of the tender beef. It's a staple of Cuban cuisine, often served with rice, black beans, and fried plantains.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the beef, moderate in fat depending on the cut used, and relatively low in carbohydrates. It provides iron, B vitamins, and fiber from the vegetables, with a typical serving containing roughly 300-400 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 6.0 mg |
| Potassium | 500 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The dish's name comes from a legend where a poor man shredded and cooked his old clothes to feed his family, only for them to transform into a delicious meal. Nutritionally, it's a balanced one-pot meal that combines protein, vegetables, and healthy fats from olives or olive oil.
