Monday, 13 December 2010 16:10
Nice cuban food
Among the traditional Cuban festivities, without a doubt, New Years is the most anticipated, which is celebrated with the whole family and closest friends. With their outgoing and cheerful personalities, Cubans spend the first hours of 31 December preparing and making sure that everything goes smoothly.
All involved have previously agreed on their contribution, one person is in charge of the food, the other drinks, syrups, fudge, ect. Generally, everyone chips in for the pork. In the capital, the pork is generally cooked in the oven. It is common to marinade one or two of the legs in criollo a day in advance and bake them in a homemade oven over charcoal or use them in a stew.
Earlier in the New Year´s Eve day, the pig (Lechon o Macho) is butchered. It is at this time the festivities begin with beer and rum as the food is prepared for dinner. Lunch constitutes of a dish called "arroz moro con cristianos" (rice and black beans), animal entrails cooked in an abundance of fat and various fried foods. The rest of the afternoon is spent drinking beer, playing dominoes and listening to music to which you can dance.
Generally those of authority in the family are also the ones in charge making sure all goes well and who can be heard yelling what all are waiting for, "It´s time to eat!" Though the hour of feasting is at everyone´s discretion, it usually takes place around midnight, and never before throwing a bucket of water into the street. The water takes out all the evil and starts the new year with good vibes. After the food, those who live further away may retire, but the rest dance until dawn.
The first morning in January is the what all are waiting for, not just for the hopes that come with a new year, but the breakfast that is prepared from all of yesterday´s food. Most wake up with a beer in hand, ready for another day of partying and excess.
In days after, people generally visit with friends and family they didn´t see during the festivities; they bring small gifts in order to maintain close bonds.
The beauty in these festivities is that they keep alive the culinary traditions and the overall culture of a unique Spanish and African mix.
We offer two links to recipes with rice:
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