Try these classic recipes that are popular in Cuban households.

Black Bean Soup

• 1 pound dried black beans
• 3 quarts water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 red onion, diced, for garnish
• 8 ounces sour cream, for garnish (optional)

For full recipe, Read More http://www.epicurious.com:80/recipes/food/views/Glorias-Black-Bean-Soup-107569#ixzz1tY9viT9T

Ropa Vieja

For braising beef:

• 3 pounds skirt or flank steak, trimmed
• 2 quarts water
• 2 carrots, chopped coarse
• 1 large onion, chopped coarse
• 2 celery ribs, chopped coarse
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed lightly
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

• 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups braising liquid plus additional if desired
• a 14- to 16-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 2 yellow bell peppers, cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed Spanish olive, drained and halved

Accompaniment:
For yellow rice with toasted cumin:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cuminseed
• 1/4 teaspoon crumble saffron thread
• 2 cups unconverted long-grain rice
• 4 cups water
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

For full recipe, Read More http://www.epicurious.com:80/recipes/food/views/Ropa-Vieja-11486#ixzz1tYAD39Gx