| The East Caribbean island of Cuba has a rich cultural | | | | from those of beans to those of meats to those that |
| heritage from which has arisen culinary traditions that | | | | are made from a base of tomato sauce. A typical |
| are as vibrant and varied as the variety of cultures | | | | sofrito is made of green pepper, onion, garlic, oregano |
| that have contributed to the development of this | | | | and black pepper fried in olive oil until the pepper, onion |
| distinct and delicious cuisine. In addition to the ancient | | | | and garlic are soft and translucent and the flavors |
| influence of the native peoples of Cuba, the Spaniards | | | | blend to perfection. |
| brought their own culinary styles, tinged by those of | | | | The dense, nutritious, energy producing vegetables |
| the Moors who held huge parts of Spain for centuries. | | | | commonly used belie the African and native peoples' |
| The slaves that were brought from Africa made | | | | influence on the cuisine of Cuba. Yuca, malanga, |
| significant culinary and cultural contributions, with other | | | | boniato, and plantano are among these, and are often |
| culinary traditions being brought to the island with the | | | | simmered together with complementary vegetables |
| French colonists fleeing uprisings in Haiti. | | | | and served simply, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled |
| As these various influences came together, a distinctly | | | | with chopped fresh onion - a satisfying, strengthening |
| Cuban flavor and style evolved, which is reminiscent of | | | | and simple dish for a hard working people. |
| country peasant styles of cooking by oral tradition and | | | | Meats are often prepared using island flavored |
| eye, rather than relying on specific measurements and | | | | marinades of that use lime juice or the juice of a sour |
| the creation of dishes that tend towards the simple | | | | variety of the orange as a base. Then, the meats are |
| and hearty, and that can be left on their own to | | | | roasted or simmered very slowly with spices, often for |
| simmer. Fussy, heavy sauces are unusual and | | | | hours. Beans and rice are an essential part of most |
| deep-frying is simply not a favored cooking method. | | | | meals, with black beans being well known as a Cuban |
| The island nation, naturally, uses a great deal of | | | | specialty. |
| seafood in its cuisine, which encourages the use of | | | | Cuban cuisine is also notable for its baked goods, |
| simple cooking techniques and spicing that is meant to | | | | which include a variety of turnovers. Some are filled |
| enhance, not smother, natural flavors. | | | | with spiced meats and other types feature a |
| The most common spices used in Cuban cuisine are | | | | particularly Cuban blend of cream cheese and guava |
| garlic, cumin, oregano and bay or laurel leaves. Sofrito | | | | paste. Flan is among Cuba's most beloved dessert |
| is also popular, and used in a wide range of dishes, | | | | items. |