Easy
6
By Beverly Cox and Martin Jacobs
Published 2006
In the small fishing village of Santa Fe on the outskirts of Havana, the Pacheco family has a simple paladar (a private restaurant) in the garden of their house overlooking the sea. Our friend Susana, who is a great cook herself, and her charming son George took us to this special place.
The menu depends on what fish was freshly caught that morning and what meats, raised by the family and neighbors, are available. All of the dishes are prepared with vegetables and herbs gathered fresh from the garden. To begin, we ate small red snapper, fried very simply and gently in oil until the skin was crisp and golden, and a salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced onions, and lettuce. Then came a large platter of chilindrón, a spicy dish that may be made either with lamb or kid.
Kid especially is associated with the Afro-Cuban cooking and culture of the island. A peppery chilindrón of kid is a dish that might please Changó, the Santería orisha (deity) of Thunder, the Drums, and Dance. Serve the stew with Pan de Cazabé (Modern Cassava [Yuca] Bread), or with boiled potatoes or white rice.
Place the lamb in a large nonreactive baking dish or bowl. Add the lime juice, garlic, chiles, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and bay leaf, if using. Turn the lamb to coat it with the seasonings. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Add the onion and bell pepper to the pan and sauté over medium heat until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, wine, reserved marinade, and brown sugar, stirring to incorporate any browned pan juices. Return the lamb to the pot and bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cover and
© 2006 All rights reserved. Published by Abrams Books.