
Cuban Turkey Ropa Vieja with Roasted Sweet Potato and Citrus Mojo
An original Cuban-inspired recipe that turns shredded turkey thighs into a juicy ropa vieja-style dish with sofrito, tomato, peppers, and olives, served with roasted sweet potato and a fresh citrus-garlic mojo.
Ingredients
- 800 g boneless turkey thighs (skinless)
- 700 g sweet potato (pelado and cut in wedges)
- 250 g white onion (1 en plumas finas and 1/2 chopped)
- 160 g red bell pepper (in strips)
- 120 g green bell pepper (in strips)
- 20 g garlic (chopped)
- 240 ml crushed tomato (enlatado or casero)
- 360 ml chicken broth (low sodium)
- 70 g green olives (slices)
- 120 ml orange juice (fresh)
- 45 ml lime juice (fresh)
- 60 ml olive oil (divided)
- 4 g dried oregano
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 unit bay leaf
- 15 ml white wine vinegar
- 8 g brown sugar (for equilibrar the acidez)
- 12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place the sweet potato on a baking tray and toss with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt, 1 g (1/2 tsp) cumin, and a pinch of black pepper. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.
- 2
Season the turkey thighs with 3 g (3/4 tsp) salt, the remaining black pepper, and 2 g (1 tsp) dried oregano.
- 3
Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in a wide pot over medium-high heat. Brown the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- 4
In the same pot, add another 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion, half of the garlic, the red bell pepper, and green bell pepper for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
- 5
Add the crushed tomato, chicken broth, bay leaf, green olives, white wine vinegar, brown sugar, remaining dried oregano, and remaining cumin. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- 6
Return the turkey to the pot. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 40 minutes, or until the turkey is very tender and shreds easily.
- 7
Remove the turkey from the sauce. Shred it with two forks and return the meat to the pot. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes so it absorbs the sofrito and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust salt if needed.
- 8
Meanwhile, make the mojo: combine the orange juice, lime juice, remaining garlic, the last 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well.
- 9
Serve the turkey ropa vieja hot with the roasted sweet potato on the side. Top with the sliced onion and spoon the citrus mojo over just before serving.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, let the seasoned turkey rest for 30 minutes before cooking. If you want a silkier texture, cook it 10 extra minutes over very low heat before shredding.
Substitutions
You can replace the turkey with boneless chicken thighs. Sweet potato can be swapped for boiled cassava or roasted squash. If you do not have cilantro, use fresh parsley for the mojo.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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