Cuban crock pot dishes for the working mom

These dishes are unique because they are all crock pot meals, the working woman’s best friend. If you can carve out 30 minutes in the morning, you can have a fulfilling meal ready for your family by the time you get home from work.

Best of all, these recipes include Latin flavors that are traditional in many homes. All of the recipes below can be altered depending on your family’s preference–feel free to add seasonings or take out ones you don’t like.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 lbs beef flank steak
• 5/8 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 5/8 cup beef broth
• 1 (5-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (3 3/4 ounce) can tomato paste
• 5/8 small onion, sliced
• 5/8 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
• 1 1/4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 5/8 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 5/8 tablespoon olive oil
• 5/8 tablespoon vinegar

Preparation:

Brown the meat in a large skillet with oil, and then transfer it to the crock pot. Stir the remainder of the ingredients in a bowl and pour them over the meat. Heat on medium for 8 hours or on low for 10 hours. Serve with rice, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder roast
• 2 tablespoons garlic (chopped)
• 2 medium onions (sliced)
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons garlic (chopped)
• 2 medium onions (sliced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 14 ounces chicken broth

Preparation:

Add the meat, juice, and the remainder of the seasonings to the crock pot. Cook on low for 7 hours or until the meat shreds easily. Quick and easy!

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 5 small whole potatoes, peeled
• 1 (5-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• A dash of cumin
• 5/8 leaf fresh sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/4 lbs chicken leg quarters

Preparation:

Add all the ingredients to the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Before serving, check the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked–the juices must be clear. This classic Cuban dish is sure to delight the whole family!

Finding the time and energy to cook every night after work is a challenge. These easy Latin-inspired crock pot dishes require only a little planning to get them going. No matter your heritage, rich and delicious Cuban food is sure to satisfy your entire family. On the weekends, include children in the cooking process to help them develop a of love of healthy, nutritious foods.