picadillo for dinner

Picadillo is a savory, slightly sweet, and hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner. It’s a classic Latin American comfort food made with ground meat (typically beef), onions, garlic, raisins, olives, and capers, simmered together with tomatoes and a mix of spices. It’s a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that pairs well with rice.

Here’s a recipe for Picadillo to enjoy for dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or red wine vinegar)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional, for added heartiness)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Meat:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan with the ground meat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

3. Add Spices and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, oregano, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
   • Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce to the pan. Stir everything to combine.

4. Incorporate the Sweet and Savory Ingredients:

   • Stir in the raisins, olives, and capers. Add the vinegar and beef broth (or water), and mix to combine. If you’re adding potatoes, toss them in now.

5. Simmer:

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes (if using) are tender and the flavors have melded together.
   • If the mixture gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or water.

6. Taste and Adjust:

   • Taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. The dish should have a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

7. Serve:

   • Serve your picadillo over white rice, with a side of fried plantains (tostones or maduros) or a green salad.

Tips:

• Meat Variations: You can use ground pork or a combination of pork and beef for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add a chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Enjoy your delicious, comforting Picadillo! It’s a hearty dish that’s sure to be a hit for dinner.