Recipe(tried): Ropa Vieja (Cuban Shredded Beef)

ROPA VIEJA

2 1/2 lb flank steak
1 sliced carrot
1 small bunch green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons oil
1 finely chopped onion
1 chopped clove of garlic
1 chopped green pepper
1 chopped fresh hot pepper
2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
2 canned pimentos, diced

Simmer beef, carrot, and green onions until the meat is tender about 1 1/2 hours, using water to cover. When meat is tender remove from heat, allow meat to cool and then shred it with your fingers (I use a mortar & pestle. I put chunks of the meat in the mortar & I crush it with the pestle. You will be surprised at how easy it is to shred any kind of meat luke this). Save the stock. In a large frying pan, heat oil and saute onion, garlic, and peppers until the vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes, bay leaf and spices and cook until you have a thick, rich sauce. Add 2 cups stock, the pimentos and beef and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve over rice or over mashed potatoes.