Cristy 10 min. 30 min.

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Picadillo

Picadillo

Picadillo = Cuban.

Rare is the Cuban home that does not serve Picadillo at least once a week. That is the case in my home. This particular recipe is another by my dad. Thanks Dad!

As you'll see a lot of the ingredients are to taste. I'm not a fan of "to taste" recipes especially if it's the first time I cook the dish, but, sometimes that's just the way it is. Cumin is one spice that's pretty strong and distinguishable, and some people just don't like it. So, always start with a little and adjust as you go.

Picadillo is traditionally served on white rice. The potatoes are optional but make the dish extra special!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or try coconut oil much more healthy)
  • 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. ground beef or turkey
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 roasted red pepper from jar, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • spanish olives as many as you like (green olives)
  • capers to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • raisins as many as you like (my dad insists these make the dish, I fish them out!)
  • 2 or 3 tablespoons of cooking wine
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 2 red potatoes, cubed approx. 1/2 inch

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in dutch oven or large skillet at medium heat.
  2. Saute garlic making sure it does not burn.
  3. Add ground meat, breaking up with a wooden spoon, cook until raw color is gone, about 7 minutes.
  4. Add salt, cumin, oregano and black pepper, stir.
  5. Add onions, peppers, capers, olives, cooking wine, tomato sauce and raisins, stir well.
  6. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, making sure it does not dry out.
  7. Meanwhile, fry the potatoes until crispy and tender. Drain on paper towel.
  8. Once the 20 or 30 minutes are up, fold in the potatoes or serve on the side.

Notes

*Disclaimer: The ingredients pictured above are those I had on hand. I am not endorsing any particular brand or store and do not receive any compensation from either.

https://cristysseriouseats.com/picadillo/