What Are the Staple Foods of Cuba?
Rice and Beans Whether cooked together or apart, rice and beans are a food staple making a daily appearance on nearly every plate in Cuba. In the traditional version of this combination, called Moros y Cristianos, black beans and white rice are simmered with garlic, oregano, cumin and onion. Cheap and readily available, this perfect pairing of protein and starch gives Cubans sustained energy. There are many household variations when rice is served without beans mixed in, also called Arroz Cubano. Most recipes for this dish include sauteed tomato paste, herbs and garlic. Tubers Even during difficult times in Cuban rationing history, tubers have been abundant. Due to constant availability, tubers appear in many traditional Cuban dishes. Potatoes and yucca root are cubed and added to rice dishes and stews. Potatoes can also be the main ingredient of salads or mashed and fried into croquettes. Malanga root is ground and dried into a flour that is used like cornstarch to thicken stews and g
