Try my quick and easy Instant Pot Version of an authentic Cuban recipe for Ropa Vieja with tender beef braised in a rich tomato base with onions, peppers, olives, raisins and capers. Tastes best served with plantains and rice. Dairy-free, low carb & Gluten-free.
Season the beef on all sides with salt and pepper. If you want, you can dust it with some flour - this makes for an especially nice and thick gravy. Put the avocado oil in the Instant Pot and push “Sauté”, then push “Adjust” to increase the heat to high. When the ghee is hot, add beef and brown for ten minutes, turning the pieces halfway through. Transfer the beef to a plate that allows for juices to gather.
Reduce heat and add the onion and peppers and sauté, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes, until softened and reduced in volume. Add sugar and caramelize.
Stir in the garlic, oregano, and spices apart from paprika and cook for about a minute. Add tomato paste. Pour in the wine and let it bubble away for 2-3 minutes, until most of the liquid is gone.
Add the tomatoes, paprika and bay leaves, and press “Keep Warm/Cancel”. Return the beef to the pot along with any juices on the plate, and stir to combine.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is turned to “Sealing”. Push “Manual” and use the plus button to increase the time to 40 minutes. Cooking will begin automatically.
Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. This is important as a forced steam release affects the texture of the meat.
Carefully remove the lid, transfer the meat to a plate, and shred it with two forks. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Return shredded meat to the pot along with olives, capers, pimientos, some of the pickling juices mentioned, the raisins, and stir. Push “Sauté” and cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce is thickened.