Mojito and Country Cuban Stew Theme Party

Popular Mojito Accompanies Ajiaco Rapido For Cuban Theme Party

Ajiaco Rapido or Cuban quick country style stew is one of my favorite recipes and a perfect accompaniment for the popular traditional Cuban drink the mojito. Ernest Hemingway made this drink famous (pronounced moh-HEE-toh) in his birth place of Havana, Cuba and now it is popular the world over. Paired with a quick and healthy Cuban stew the combination can be the foundation for a fun, fast and healthy theme party.

Cuban Cuisine

Cuban cuisines is a blend of Spanish, African, Caribbean and African cuisines as well as a small Chinese influence. Cuban recipes share spices and techniques similar with all of these national influences.

Ajiaco Rapido (aka Quick Country Stew)

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef round- cut in small cubes
2 potatoes
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 Qt. vegetable or beef stock
2 cup malangas-peeled and cubed
3 ripe plantains-cubed
1 cup sweet potato-cubed
1 (14 oz.) can tomato puree
2 garlic cloves-pressed

Method:

1. In a heavy saucepot, sauté the beef in the oil with the salt, pepper, and onion powder, for about 5 minutes.
2. Add beef or vegetable stock and simmer for one hour.
3. Add tomato puree, potatoes, yams, malangas, garlic and plantains.
4. Return to a boil and simmer for 30 more minutes.
5. Serve with a crusty whole grain bread.

What is a malanga?

The malanga root is available in many grocery stores now and is used as a thickener for stews. It has a tough brown and shaggy patchy thin skin with a reddish, beige or yellowish flesh. They are not consistent in shape and cooked malanga has a distinct nutlike flavor and texture. You will either love it or hate it.

Recipe For Mojito

A mojito is the Cuban version of a drink similar to a mint julep.

Ingredients
Juice of 1 lime
1-1/2 ounces white rum
1-1/2 teaspoon of sugar
Splash of club soda
2 fresh mint sprigs
Crushed ice

Combine 1 fresh mint sprig, 1-1/2 teaspoon of sugar and the lime juice in a short glass.
Crush the mint spring and sugar on the bottom of the glass using a spoon or muddler. Add the ice, rum and a splash of club soda and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and enjoy!

What is a muddler?

A muddler is a small wooden tool shaped like a baseball bat. One end is large and rounded and it used to mash ingredients. The other end is skinnier and flat and is used to mix ingredients.