A Cuban grandmother has revealed a traditional method for making cornmeal, and although she shared potential pairings for this dish, preparing this recipe has become a luxury nowadays. A user, @DiazVismar38292, posted a video on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, where the lady explains that you need to "stir occasionally because otherwise, it will become lumpy."
The grandmother demonstrated how to prepare the delicious dish, including several variations such as adding milk, pork, beans, and stuffing it with chicken mince. These ingredients are beyond the reach of many Cubans today. "A Cuban grandmother showing how to cook some cornmeal amid such scarcity and hardships, many don't know what it's like to have a halfway decent meal," noted the user @DiazVismar38292 on X.
"Socialism is the embodiment of hunger on earth," the profile added, highlighting that, at least in eastern Cuba, making cornmeal is a luxury. In Santiago de Cuba, for instance, pork costs around 700 pesos per pound, cornmeal costs 130 pesos per pound, and chicken mince, another common ingredient, costs approximately 350 pesos per pound. A pound of beans is about 380 pesos.
Recently, a Cuban woman showed on social media how she spent nearly 5,000 pesos in minutes on just a few food items, the equivalent of a professional's monthly salary. Anita Mateu (@anita.mateu) posted on TikTok evidence of the inflation in Cuba, with a message that needs little further explanation: "The sad reality of my country."
Cornmeal Preparation and Economic Challenges in Cuba
In light of the current economic conditions in Cuba, many are struggling to afford basic ingredients for traditional meals like cornmeal. Below are some common questions and answers regarding these challenges.
Why is cornmeal preparation considered a luxury in Cuba?
Due to the high cost of basic ingredients like pork, beans, and chicken mince, many Cubans find it difficult to afford these items, making traditional dishes a luxury.
What are the current prices of basic food items in Santiago de Cuba?
In Santiago de Cuba, pork costs around 700 pesos per pound, cornmeal is 130 pesos per pound, chicken mince is approximately 350 pesos per pound, and beans are about 380 pesos per pound.
How has inflation affected the purchasing power of Cubans?
Inflation has significantly reduced the purchasing power of Cubans, making it difficult to buy even basic food items. A recent example showed a woman spending nearly 5,000 pesos, equivalent to a professional's monthly salary, on just a few food products.