Ropa vieja?

Question

its a traditional cuban dish, does anyone know why its so popular or some of the history behind it? (internet sources are great please not wiki though)

*thanks*

Answer 1

Cubans love peppers, as do many other countries, so that's why they love it so much, probably. I've never had this, but it means "old clothes" because it looks tattered with the shredded beef and stuff, I suppose. The dish is said to have been introduced in Cuba by Spanish sailors.

http://www.ochef.com/238.htm

Answer 2

I don't know the history of it, but it translates to "old clothes..."

Answer 3

It is a traditional Latin American dish; it is skirt steak simmered, then sautéed with spices, onions, etc. then they shred it. It looks like old rags that are torn up. They call it Ropa vieja in Colombia as well but in Venezuela they call it carne mechada and I love it. In Venezuela they serve it with black beans, rice and fried plaintain and they call this dish Pabellón.