Picadillo is a classic, flavorful dish made with ground beef, potatoes, raisins, olives, and a mix of spices. It’s a comforting and hearty meal, often served with rice. Here’s a simple recipe for Homemade Picadillo:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup capers (optional)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
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Add the potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing them to begin softening.
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Add the spices and tomato sauce: Stir in cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and ground cloves (if using). Add the tomato sauce and mix everything together.
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Simmer: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add the raisins, olives, and capers: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the raisins, olives, and capers. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
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Serve: Serve the picadillo hot over cooked rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor.
- For a little more acidity, you can add a splash of vinegar (red wine or apple cider vinegar works well).
- Some variations of picadillo also include a bit of chopped tomato or a splash of soy sauce.
Enjoy your homemade picadillo! It’s a wonderful, comforting dish perfect for a family meal.