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