Hi Martin,
You are so kind with your words!
Yes, the Cuban people do not like heat in the food. We start most of our dishes with a "sofrito" which is sauteed onions, green or red bell peppers and lots of garlic. that's the base, then you build from there.
Most of the times we add Vino Seco (dry white cooking wine) in dishes like Carne con Papa (beef stew), picadillo (hash), arroz con pollo (rice and chicken), and many other delicious dishes.
Look for Gladys, PR, she wrote a wonderful posting on Sofrito, on our vegetables (viandas) and other marvelous postings.
Happy Cooking, Gina
Gladys' Recipes For and Using Sofrito