A History of Cuban Cuisine

Cuban cuisine offers a rich and flavorful combination of ingredients that reflect a diversity of cultures and traditions.With these Carribean,Spanish and African roots,the influences are showcased in many delicious Cuban recipes and cooking techniques.Some of the main staples of Cuban cuisine include rice,beans and meats such as beef,pork,and sausage.Tropical fruits such as mangos,papayas,and plantains are common components in many recipes.Seafood ingredients such as fish,shrimp,lobster and crab are a natural part of the Cuban dining experience due to its island geography.Vegetables including corn,tomatoes,onions,green peppers and garlic are abundant in Cuban cuisine and are a staple there. Cuban cuisine gets its origins from the Spanish peasants,African slaves and Carribeans from Haiti that came to the island for different reasons.They spread out into different regions of Cuba and each had their own traditional ways of preparing their food.Eventually they all merged along with the various ingredients and cooking techniques forming the cuisine that it is today.

One of the classic Cuban dishes is Ropa Vieja.Shredded beef in a tomato based sauce that is usually served with black beans and rice and tropical fruits on the side.It is an example of a simplistic yet delicious meal using typical ingredients of the Cuban cooking form.Black and red kidney beans as well as rice are used in stews often and Black Bean Soup is a mainstay of the island.Another specialty of Cuban is a Sofrito.It is a sauce made with garlic,tomatoes and onions and is used as a basic component for other dishes such as Arroz Congri,where beans and rice are cooked in Sofrito then baked.Another favorite is the Cuban sandwich.Cuban bread is a loaf prepared with lard instead of vegetable oil making it less dry.Ham,sliced pork and swiss cheese are brought in with pickles and mustard to make it uniquely Cuban.

The wide array of flavors available through many combinations of fruits,vegetables,meats and seafood found in Cuba have evolved into a soulful,rich cuisine that is now enjoyed world wide.In Cuban communities everywhere foodies enjoy what was once a distant gastric pleasure.The aromas and vibrant spirit of Cuban cuisine continue to evolve as young chefs master then tweak the basic style.As with any other regional style of cooking the basic ingredients remain intact as different twists of the original theme give the recipes more depth and create new ones.
Cuba's cultural roots are expressed today through her food and the rest of us eat happier for it.Bon Appetit!