icadillo is a delicious and savory Latin American dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and a mix of sweet and savory spices. Paired with homemade tortillas, it makes for a comforting and flavorful meal. Here’s how to make both picadillo and homemade tortillas:
Picadillo Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or pork, or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup capers (optional)
- 1/4 cup potatoes, peeled and diced (small cubes)
- 1/4 cup carrots, peeled and diced (small cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- Add the ground beef (or pork) to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the Vegetables and Spices:
- Add the diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, raisins, olives, and capers (if using) to the meat mixture.
- Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, paprika, oregano, tomato paste, and beef broth or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust the Flavor:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you prefer a more “saucy” picadillo, you can add more broth or water.
- Serve:
- Serve the picadillo hot, either as a standalone dish or with rice. It’s perfect with homemade tortillas to scoop up the flavorful mixture.
Homemade Tortillas Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 3/4 cup warm water (more if needed)
Instructions:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir well.
- Add Fat and Water:
- Add the vegetable oil or lard to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to incorporate the fat into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to adjust the water slightly depending on the consistency of the dough.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll them into balls.
- Cover the dough balls with a damp cloth and let them rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps make the tortillas more pliable.
- Roll the Tortillas:
- After the dough has rested, take one dough ball and roll it out into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Try to make it as thin as possible without tearing.
- Cook the Tortillas:
- Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, place one tortilla on the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip the tortilla and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown spots appear on both sides.
- Remove the tortilla from the pan and place it in a cloth-lined container to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
Serve:
- Picadillo with Homemade Tortillas is best served warm. You can either serve the picadillo on top of the tortillas, or use the tortillas to scoop up the filling, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to customize your picadillo with additional ingredients like potatoes, peas, or bell peppers based on your preferences.
- Make Extra Tortillas: You can make extra tortillas and store them in an airtight container for later use. They reheat easily on the stove or in the microwave.
Picadillo with Homemade Tortillas is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines rich, savory meat with soft, fresh tortillas. Perfect for family gatherings or a delicious weeknight dinner