Cuban Comfort: Unraveling the Flavorful Threads of Ropa Vieja

Ingredients

• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 tsp paprika
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup pimientostuffed green olives