A Classic on Ice

When there’s absolutely no time to cook, try ropa vieja, the pan-Latin American dish of shredded beef cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, pimentos and wine. With the aid of a microwave, you can have it on the table in eight minutes. The beef, accompanied by rice, is one of a series of frozen dinners from Goya Foods called Comidas Clasicas (Classic Entrees) and comes in a package with instructions in English and Spanish.

Ropa vieja and rice frozen dinner, $2.99 at El Mambi supermarket, 328 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale. (818) 246-6016.