Blistered Ropa Vieja with cracked fennel

Method

1. Start by prepping your olive oil, garlic, yellow onion so the cooking goes quickly.
2. Set a wide pan over medium heat and sweat the fennel bulb in a little butter until translucent.
3. Turn the heat up, add the ropa vieja, and cook until deeply browned and aromatic.
4. Fold in the black pepper and season generously; give everything a minute to come together.
5. Pour in the coconut milk, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until thickened and glossy.
6. Off the heat, brighten it up with a grating of hard cheese and a final crack of pepper.
7. Plate it up while hot and pass extra at the table.