Here we’ve put together a collection of our favorite Cuban soup recipes. Each is different, with varied ingredients and delicious in its own way. Soups are a prominent part of Cuban cuisine. We hope you enjoy our take on these Cuban soup classics.
Pollo en salsa is chicken in tomato sauce with a Latin flair. This pollo en salsa recipe is easy to make. We use skinless, boneless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful, but cook up quick. The tomato sauce is seasoned with herbs and spices and gets an extra flavor kick from chorizo.
Ajiaco is a hearty soup that’s popular in Cuban and Colombian cuisine, although the two versions are quite different. A Colombian ajiaco is essentially a chicken and potato soup. A Cuban ajiaco, however includes pork and beef and a showcase of tropical vegetables.
A traditional Cuban sandwich is made with ham, Swiss cheese, roast pork and pickles all generously stacked on Cuban bread. The sandwich lightly buttered and heated on a plancha until the bread is toasty and the cheese is melted. It’s one of the best sandwiches ever!
Saucy and a little bit spicy, camarones enchilados is a Cuban dish similar to a shrimp creole. Camarones enchilados translates roughly to spicy shrimp. The sauce comes together quickly and you can make it as hot as you like, just add more or less hot sauce. This exotic dish is really easy to make, and will spice up your weeknight dinner.
When you think Cuban food, beans are usually on the menu. In Spanish this dish is called frijoles colorados, and they’re a staple in Cuban cuisine. The beans are made with simple ingredients including herbs, spices and pork. The pork used is typically an inexpensive cut. Smoked ham hocks or shanks, sausage, or a leftover, meaty ham bone are all good options. Cuban style red beans are traditionally served with white rice as a side dish, or as a stand-alone soup.
Crema de Malanga is a thick, creamy soup, made creamy more by the texture of the Malanga than actual cream. Easy to make using simple ingredients, this soup is a delicious way to try something different.
These Cuban pork chops or chuletas de cerdo in Spanish, make an easy, affordable and quick dinner. In this recipe, thin-cut pork chops are seasoned with garlic powder, cumin, oregano and salt and pepper. Then we squeeze some fresh lime juice over them and let them marinate for great flavor. Serve the pork chops with white rice and black beans or mashed potatoes for a filling and delicious meal.
Ropa Vieja is a traditional Cuban dish that’s easy to make and delicious. The literal translation of ropa vieja is “old clothes”, odd I know. It’s called this because the shredded beef resembles tattered, old clothes. What it actually is: Steak, usually flank, that’s boiled, shredded and cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce.
In Cuban Culture, roast pork (lechon asado) is the meal served on all special occasions. Christmas, Weddings, New Year’s… roast pork is on the menu. This is a traditional recipe using a homemade mojo marinade. Roast pork is a two-day event. The pork needs to marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Then you roast it, low and slow for hours.