Well, now, if ya ever found yourself sittin’ down to a Cuban meal, ya might be wonderin’ what to put on the side. I reckon there’s plenty of tasty stuff to go with them big dishes like Cuban sandwiches or ropa vieja. Let me tell ya, Cuban side dishes are mighty delicious, and they’re real easy to make too. I’m gonna give ya some ideas that’ll make your meal even better, just like how we do it back in the day.
Black Beans and Rice – Now this here is a classic! You just can’t go wrong with a plate of black beans and white rice. It’s simple, but it’s mighty tasty. Cuban folks sure know how to cook ‘em beans just right, with a bit of garlic, onions, and a pinch of salt. And don’t forget to serve it up with some rice on the side to soak up all that goodness!
Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) – Oh, plantains are a real treat, I tell ya! These sweet little beauties are perfect with any Cuban dish. You just slice ‘em up and fry ‘em ’til they’re golden and sweet as can be. They’re like the candy of the vegetable world, and they make a fine side dish to go with pork or beef. Some folks like ‘em fried crispy, while others leave ‘em soft and tender, either way, you can’t go wrong!
Tostones (Fried Green Plantains) – If ya like a little crunch, you can’t forget about tostones. These green plantains are sliced thick and fried twice for that crispy texture that’s just so irresistible. You dip ‘em in some garlic sauce, and boy, they’re good enough to make ya forget about all the other side dishes!
Cuban-style Coleslaw – Now, if ya want something a little fresher, a nice Cuban coleslaw might just do the trick. This slaw is a bit different from the usual ones, with a tangy dressing that’s got some vinegar and a little sugar. It’ll balance out the heaviness of the main dish, and the crunchiness is mighty fine too!
Moros y Cristianos – This here is another gem in Cuban cuisine. It’s a mix of black beans and rice cooked together with spices like cumin and bay leaves. It’s a dish that pairs perfectly with meats like roast pork or shredded beef. If ya want somethin’ that’s a little different from your regular rice and beans, this’ll hit the spot!
Yucca Fries – Now, if you haven’t had yucca yet, you’re missin’ out! It’s kinda like a potato, but with a little more flavor. You can cut it into fries and fry ’em up just like regular potatoes, but I’ll tell ya, these fries have a little extra somethin’ that’ll make you go back for more. They’re perfect with some dipping sauce on the side.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sometimes, the simplest things are the best, and grilled corn on the cob is one of ‘em. You can slather it with butter, sprinkle a little salt, and maybe even a little chili powder if you like a bit of heat. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and goes well with just about anything, especially those grilled meats like pork or chicken.
Avocado Salad – For somethin’ light and fresh, an avocado salad is a must. You just slice up some ripe avocados, throw in a little tomato, onion, and cilantro, and drizzle it with some lime juice. It’s like a burst of sunshine in your mouth, and it pairs perfectly with those heavier dishes like ropa vieja or lechón.
Spanish Rice – A good ol’ bowl of Spanish rice is another fine side dish to go with Cuban meals. It’s made with long-grain rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and a little tomato paste for flavor. You might even throw in some peas or bell peppers for color. It’s a simple dish, but it sure does make your plate look real pretty and taste real good!
Now, these are just some of the wonderful side dishes that’ll make your Cuban meal even better. Whether you’re servin’ up some roast pork, shredded beef, or just a simple Cuban sandwich, these sides will help ya enjoy the whole meal that much more. And the best part is, most of ‘em are easy to whip up right in your own kitchen! So next time you’re planning a Cuban feast, make sure you’ve got some of these on your plate.
Ya know, it’s all about balance. You want somethin’ that’s a little sweet, a little salty, and something with a bit of crunch. Cuban side dishes give ya all that and more, and I’m sure you’ll be enjoyin’ every bite. So go ahead, give ‘em a try, and don’t forget to serve it up with a nice cold drink like a mojito or a Cuba Libre to wash it down!
Tags：[Cuban side dishes, Cuban food, sweet plantains, tostones, yucca fries, moros y cristianos, black beans and rice, Cuban coleslaw, Spanish rice, avocado salad]
