A Cuban woman residing in the United States, known as @yisi9 on TikTok, has captivated viewers with a video showcasing her method for preparing Cuban-style pea stew, a staple in many Cuban households. Interestingly, she admits that while in Cuba, she found the dish unappealing, but her perspective shifted after moving abroad: “In Cuba, I detested it, but upon arriving here, it became one of my favorite meals.”
The video provides a detailed breakdown of her cooking process. She begins with yellow split peas, enhancing their flavor by cooking them with chicharrones. The stew is then enriched with a sautéed mixture of bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomato purée, and what she deems the key ingredient—complete seasoning. “I really love complete seasoning; I think it gives the final touch,” she notes.
Additionally, she includes pumpkin, potatoes, and salt to taste, advising that the vegetables be diced into small cubes to ensure faster cooking. “We’ll stir it and put it back under pressure so it absorbs the seasoning and the vegetables get tender,” she instructs.
Upon unveiling the final product, she comments, “After 10 minutes, this is how my pea stew looks, with its pumpkins, potatoes, and of course, the indispensable chicharrones.” She emphasizes the dish's standalone quality: “This stew doesn’t need anything else, not even lemon. It’s perfect on its own.”
The post elicited responses from users across various countries who shared how this legume is referred to in their regions—such as peas, lentils, or 'alverjas'—and how it’s traditionally prepared. Some reminisced about its commonality in Cuban diets: “This was often our daily bread,” one user remarked.
This isn't the first time the Cuban TikToker has sparked interaction online. Last November, she garnered attention with her musings on weight gain among men in committed relationships, asserting that “a man in love with his woman gains about 5 to 10 pounds.”
Exploring Cuban Cuisine and Cultural Shifts
Why did the Cuban woman’s opinion on pea stew change?
Her perspective shifted after moving to the United States, where she began to appreciate the dish as one of her favorites, despite disliking it in Cuba.
What ingredients are essential in her pea stew recipe?
Key ingredients include yellow split peas, chicharrones, a sofrito with bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomato purée, complete seasoning, pumpkin, and potatoes.
How did users respond to her video?
Viewers from different countries shared the legume's various names and traditional cooking methods, while some reminisced about its prevalence in Cuban meals.