Ropa Vieja with Fried Plantains

Loosely translated as "old clothes," ropa vieja is among Cuba's most-loved dishes, not only because it is a simple and tasty way to feed a crowd. The cooked meat can be sliced, but it is most often shredded, giving the dish its name, before being added to a colorful sofrito made with tomato and red annatto oil, which is available at some Latin markets. If you use the annatto oil, omit the achiote paste.