Quesa Cubano Recipes

BIRRIA QUESA TACOS

Steps:

• Heat sesame seeds, cumin, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and the sesame seeds begin to brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Heat beef broth in a medium-sized pot and turn to a low simmer.
• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add guajillo, ancho, and chile de arbol peppers, turning occasionally. Remove the peppers once they have started to blister a bit, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Place the peppers in the pot of simmering broth. Cover and allow to simmer until the peppers are rehydrated and tender, about 20 minutes.
• Slice 3/4 of the onion into thick slices and finely dice the rest. Put the diced onion aside. Add the thick slices to the pot, along with the garlic, and cook until the onion is browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Heat remaining oil in the pot over medium-high heat, and add goat meat. Allow to brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add the warmed spices, peppers and broth, onions, garlic, vinegar, salt, Oregano, and thyme into a blender. Allow to cool slightly before blending to prevent scalding yourself, about 5 minutes. Blend until very smooth.
• Add the blended sauce into the pot, and stir, scraping all the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the meat is very tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
• Remove the meat from the sauce and allow to cool enough to shred. Shred the meat with your hands or with 2 forks. Stir in about 1/4 cup of the sauce. Blend the diced tomatoes until very smooth and add to the sauce.
• Working in batches, dip each tortilla in the pot of sauce and place in a hot pan. Add a bit of the meat mixture and a bit of cheese. Fold in half and brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour the remaining sauce into 4 small bowls. Serve the tacos and sauce with the reserved diced onion, lime wedges, and cilantro.
• Pour the remaining sauce into 4 small bowls. Serve the tacos and sauce with the reserved diced onion, lime wedges, and cilantro.

RANCHERO CUBANO

Steps:

• In a large pan, cook eggs in butter sunny-side up or over easy. When eggs are just about done, divide tortillas between 2 plates and top with the cheese. Heat in microwave until cheese is melted. Top each tortilla with an egg and top the whole thing with black beans and Creole Sauce.
• Saute the garlic, peppers, and onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 1/2 hour or until all the flavors have blended to your liking. You'll have extra sauce to use for other recipes. It only gets better with age!

PASTELITODE DE QUESO: CUBAN PUFF PASTRY WITH CREAM CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine and mix the flour, water, pork lard and salt. Mix until the dough is not sticky but not firm (do not over mix), finger should leave a dent. Place the dough on a large, floured work surface. Using hands, stretch the dough out into a large, even rectangle. Spread the cubes of margarine evenly on top. Vertically fold each end to meet in the middle. Overlapping, in thirds, fold horizontally. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1 1/2 inches thick. Fold into thirds vertically and then again horizontally. Transfer to a baking tray and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Once rested, transfer the dough to a floured work surface and roll out to a 1-inch thick rectangle. Dust off any excess flour and repeat the folds, 4 folds in total. Transfer to a baking tray, wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Lay the dough on a sugared work surface. Sprinkle the rest of the sugar on top of the dough. Roll the dough out to a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Make sure to press the sugar into the dough. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Place a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese in each center. Wet the dough's edges with water. Fold one corner into the cream cheese and continue to roll like a cigar. Press 3 fingers flat on top of the pastry. Place in the oven for until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve with a cafe con leche.