Cuban cuisine comes from a rich combination of native foods, Spanish and Moorish influences, and African contributions. All these influences have created a very distinctive flavor that enhances hearty, simple dishes. A typical Cuban meal would consist of rice, beans, a main meat dish, root vegetables, and a salad. Deep frying is rarely done in Cuba. Most of the food is cooked in a quick saute or slow cooked over low heat.

Spices

The most commonly used spices in Cuban cuisine are garlic, cumin, bay leaf, and oregano. They also use a combination known as sofrito. This is made by sauteing onions, green peppers, garlic, black pepper, and oregano in olive oil until the flavors are blended. Sofrito is used as a base for rice, stew, beans, and many other recipes.

Vegetables

Cuba uses lots of root vegetables like plantano, yuca, boniato, and malanga. Vegetables are often simmered together and served with a simple dressing of olive oil and chopped onion. Black beans are a large part of the daily meal. They are often served with rice during the main meals of the day. Fruit is also a big part of the daily menu. Plums, pineapples, guavas and more are available to choose from.

Meats

Seafood, pork, and beef are often used in Cuban cuisine. Chickens also play an important role. Meats may be marinated and simmered slowly to make tender, mouthwatering dishes. Seafood is cooked simply, allowing the flavor of the fish to come through.

Baked Goods

Cuba's breads and pastries are well known. Turnovers filled with spicy meats or fruit and cream cheese are popular. Puff pastries with fillings are often eaten as finger foods. Custard desserts are often served. Sandwiches are very popular in Cuban cuisine. The popular "Cuban sandwich" found in Miami is made of ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and roast pork.

Recipe for Chicken in a Black Bean Sauce

This dish is a great way to give chicken a new taste. For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the sauce.

What You Need

• 4 chicken thighs
• 4 chicken legs
• 1 large can of black beans
• 1/2 cup of sofrito (saute bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, and onion together until translucent)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 Tablespoon of oregano
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 can of tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth

Wash the chicken and pat it dry. Season the pieces with salt and pepper. Set the chicken aside.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet and saute the sofrito mixture. Add the oregano, cumin and tomato sauce, stirring well.

Add beans and broth, mixing well. Let the mixture cook for ten minutes. Add apple cider vinegar, stir, and let simmer another 3 or 4 minutes. Place chicken pieces in the pan, covering them completely with the sauce. Cook the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving over a bed of white rice.