Homemade Picadillo
Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish, perfect for family dinners. This hearty, flavorful dish combines ground meat with vegetables and spices. Here’s a simple homemade Picadillo recipe that your members will love:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Ingredients
- 1 potato, diced and cooked (boiled or fried)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. If you’re using potatoes, dice and cook them beforehand.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, olives, and raisins to the skillet. Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re including potatoes, peas, or carrots, add them now. Stir to incorporate.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the Picadillo simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Picadillo hot, over rice, with tortillas, or as a filling for empanadas.
Tips
- Customize: Feel free to adjust the spices and add-ins to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Picadillo also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your homemade Picadillo, a comforting and versatile dish that brings a taste of Latin America to your table!