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  • Why: Embargo Where: Cuba

    Bistec de Toronja – Grapefruit’s pith steak

    One of the most well-known dishes created during the Special Period in Cuba. This dish uses grapefruit peel as a substitute for meat.

    INGREDIENTS:

    – Grapefruit peels
    – Garlic
    – Chicken seasoning
    – Corn flour
    – Bread crumbs

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Preparing the Peels: Remove the colorful outer part of the grapefruit peel, leaving only the thick white layer. Cut the peels into pieces about the size of a quarter of the fruit. Make shallow cuts along the edges to help flatten them. Rub with crushed garlic and set aside.

    2. Making the Batter: In a bowl, mix corn flour with chicken seasoning and water until you achieve a thick, pourable batter.

    3. Coating the Peels: Dip the grapefruit peel pieces into the batter, then coat them in bread crumbs.

    4. Frying: If you want to prepare them like Cubans did, you can fry them in water, though this requires some skill. Alternatively, fry in oil, which is simpler and more effective.

     Hunger in Cuba During the “Special Period” (El Período Especial) in the 1990s

    In the mid-20th century, Cuba was under a dictatorship supported by the United States, which was eventually overthrown by a revolution. However, the revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro, who initially gained the support of the opposition, quickly became the new rulers, eliminating political opponents. Although the new regime initially enjoyed broad support, it diverged ideologically from the United States, leading to tensions. When efforts to overthrow Castro failed, the United States imposed a trade embargo, hoping to cause the economic collapse of the island and the downfall of the revolutionary government.

    In response, Cuba turned to the Soviet Union, which became its main economic partner. Moscow supplied oil, food, and other critical resources at preferential prices, allowing Cuba to maintain relative stability despite the ongoing embargo. This cooperation was crucial for the survival of the Cuban economy.

    The situation changed dramatically in the early 1990s when the Soviet Union collapsed, and Cuba lost its main ally. The country faced a severe economic crisis, known as the “Special Period.” The lack of access to resources, oil, and essential goods, including food, led to a drastic deterioration in living conditions. The American embargo continued, and Cuba had to fend for itself. Food shortages were so severe that many people had to resort to alternative and improvised ways of obtaining nourishment.

    In response to the crisis, Cuban authorities implemented some reforms, allowing for the emergence of small private initiatives such as paladares (private restaurants) and urban gardens to meet local food needs. Despite this, the country faced enormous challenges, and people had to creatively use available resources. Grapefruit steaks, banana soups, and other unconventional dishes became symbols of these difficult times.

    Although the situation in Cuba improved over time, the “Special Period” permanently changed Cuban society. It became a symbol of survival under crisis conditions and the ability to adapt to extreme difficulties that shaped life on the island long after this challenging period ended. Cubans, forced to rethink daily life, became masters of recycling and adaptation, and the experiences of those years have influenced the island’s culture and identity.

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