Dairy-Free Ropa Vieja with Plantain Rice

Instructions

1. 1Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (about 205°C/200°C). Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the about 910 g of beef brisket into the pot and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until all sides are deeply browned.
2. 2Add the 1 large onion, chopped into 1.27 cm pieces, the 2 mixed bell peppers, chopped into 1.27 cm pieces, and the 4 cloves of garlic, minced, to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
3. 3Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, until it darkens slightly. Then, add the 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained), the 1 cup of beef broth, the 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, the 1 teaspoon of cumin, the 1 teaspoon of oregano, the 1 bay leaf, the 1 teaspoon of salt, and the 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir all ingredients together to combine.
4. 4Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the Ropa Vieja simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours. The beef is ready when it is very tender and can be easily pulled apart with two forks; the liquid should be bubbling very gently, not vigorously.
5. 5Carefully remove the about 910 g of beef brisket from the pot and place it on a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the pot with the sauce and stir to coat. Let it simmer uncovered on low heat for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
6. 6While the Ropa Vieja simmers, prepare the plantain rice. Peel the 2 ripe plantains and dice them into 1.27 cm cubes. In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of white rice with 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the diced plantains, cover again, and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes, until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. 7Serve the shredded Ropa Vieja spooned generously over the fluffy plantain rice.

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