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Although perhaps not as popular outside of the country as other international cuisines such as Spanish, Chinese or African, Cuban cuisine is actually influenced by all three. To learn more about how to cook authentic Cuban cuisine, continue reading this guide.
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Although perhaps not as popular outside of the country as other international cuisines such as Spanish, Chinese or African, Cuban cuisine is actually influenced by all three. To learn more about how to cook authentic Cuban cuisine, continue reading this guide.
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Introduction
- Contrary to what some people may expect, Cuban food is not nearly as spicy as that of the nearby areas of Jamaica and Mexico, and has very little in common with the latter. Due to the variety of refugees and immigrants that have historically resided on the island, Cuban cuisine is a unique fusion of African, Portuguese and Spanish and Chinese cuisines and is similar to that of nearby Caribbean nations.
Authentic Cuban Ingredients
- Since most Cuban cuisine is flavored mainly with garlic and onions, you likely won't need to go to a specialty market to find the ingredients you will need to cook Cuban food. Common ingredients used in Cuban cuisine include:
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- Garlic
- Onions
- Cumin
- Salt
- Rice
- Bay leaves
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- Pork
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Bell peppers
- Beans
- Plantains
- Tomatoes
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Authentic Cuban Cooking Techniques
- Many main Cuban dishes consist of a sauteed or slow-cooked meat dish, usually pork, chicken or beef. This main meat dish is often served with beans and/or rice on the side. Frying and deep-frying is usually reserved for snacks and appetizers, such as pork rinds and fried plantains.
Authentic Cuban Flavorings
- Many traditional Cuban dishes are flavored with sofrito, which is a mixture of onions, green peppers, garlic, oregano and bay leaves, sauteed in oil. In the Havana region, alcaparrado, a paste consisting of olives, raisins and capers, may be used to provide a sweet and sour accompaniment to meat and other dishes.
