3 pounds flank steak
1−1/2 cups water
6 whole garlic, peeled
6 whole black peppercorns
salt to taste
8 poblano peppers, fresh
1/2 cup lard, bacon drippings, or veg.oil
2 garlic clove, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, sliced 1/8" thick
flour tortilla
1. Cut the flank steak in half horizontally so it will fit into a large Dutch oven. Place it in the pot and cover it with the water. Add the six whole cloves of garlic, along with the peppercorns and salt as desired. Place over low heat and bring the liquid to a simmer. Cover and continue cooking over low heat, turning the meat occasionally, until it is tenderand well done, about one and a half to two hours.
2. While the meat is stewing roast, peel and seed the peppers and slice each pepper lengthwise into strips an eighth of an inch wide. Set aside.3. When the meat is tender, remove the Dutch oven from the heat and let the meat cool in its own broth. When it coolds enough to handle, remove it from the broth and place it on a cutting board. Slice the meat across the grain into stips about two inches across. Using your fingers, pull the meat into fine shreds. Return it to the broth.
4. Heat the lard or other fat in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until it is rippling. Crush the sliced garlic cloves and add to the hot fat. Saute for one minute, stirring frequently. Add the sliced onions and saute until it's somewhat soft, about three minutes. Add the reserved pepper strips to the pan and continue sauteing and stirring for about two minutes.
5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peppers, onion and garlic to the Dutch oven. Cook the meat mixture, uncovered, over medium heat, stirring frequently until the flavors are blended about 10 to 15 minutes. Serve the meat hot, rolled up in heated flour tortillas.
Ropa Vieja 18