Hello, food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a hearty, savory, and slightly sweet dish, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you today – Picadillo! This beloved Cuban dish is packed with flavors and history, making it a staple in many Latin kitchens.
Picadillo is essentially a ground beef hash, but what makes it unique is the combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and brings a sense of comfort with every bite. If you've never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into how to make this Cuban classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins (for the signature sweetness)
- 1/4 cup capers (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How to Make Picadillo:
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the Tomato Sauce and Spices: Stir in the tomato sauce, olives, raisins, capers (if using), cumin, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the Vinegar and Sweetener: Pour in the vinegar and stir in the sugar (if you prefer a sweeter version). Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors are fully developed.
Serve: Once the Picadillo has reached the right consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tips for the Perfect Picadillo:
- Add Potatoes: Some variations of Picadillo include diced potatoes for added texture. If you’d like to include them, sauté the potatoes in the same pan as the beef until they’re soft, and then proceed with the recipe.
- Serve with Plantains: Fried sweet plantains are an excellent accompaniment to Picadillo. The sweetness of the plantains complements the savory dish perfectly.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Some prefer a sweeter Picadillo, while others prefer it more savory. Feel free to adjust the sugar or raisins based on your taste preferences.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, as it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. The unique combination of savory beef, sweet raisins, tangy olives, and fragrant spices makes Picadillo a dish that’s beloved by so many in the Cuban and Latin communities.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! I’m sure it will quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.