Cuban Soul

A Cuban cookbook from chef Mika Leon that offers 100 flavorful modern dishes influenced by tradition, resilience, and pure joy. Food has always been the heartbeat of chef Mika Leon’s big, boisterous Cuban family. Her grandfather opened one of the first Cuban family-run restaurants in Valencia, Spain, after fleeing political instability in the 1970s. He later brought the family to Miami, where they ran a backyard cantina—Mika’s introduction to the family business. These early experiences shaped her simple, humble cooking style, which she carried into her catering company, then a food truck, and eventually her restaurant, Caja Caliente. In Cuban Soul, Mika shares her most cherished memories through Cuban homestyle recipes, perfect for infusing any meal with comforting and craveable Cuban flavors. Pass around crunchy, salty bites such as Empanadas de Carne (Beef Empanadas) stuffed with picadillo, ground beef cooked with tangy olives, capers, and raisins for a touch of sweetness. Dig into toasty Pan con Bistec (Steak Sandwich), pan-fried steak tucked into soft Pan Cubano (Cuban Bread), with a chewy crumb thanks to lard in the dough. Ladle a bowl of Camarones Enchilados (Creole-Style Shrimp) over fluffy Arroz Blanco Cubano (Cuban White Rice). Squeeze plenty of lime over Vaca Frita (Crispy Shredded Beef), or use Mika’s citrus marinade to transform Lechón Asado (Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder). Savor Arroz con Leche de Abuela (Grandma’s Rice Pudding) served with a frothy Colada Cubana con Espumita (Cuban Colada with Foam) or Cóctel de Ron (Cha Cha’s Rum Cocktail), which will have you dancing salsa until 5 a.m. Featuring lush photography and an exploration of Cuba’s rich culinary history, this book brings all the flavors of Cuba’s most beloved dishes—borrowed and blended from many Caribbean influences—into your own kitchen.