Picadillo is a classic Cuban dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, raisins, and spices. It’s a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic dish that is often served with rice and fried plantains. Here’s a detailed recipe to bring this flavorful Cuban dish to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup capers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Fried plantains for serving
Instructions
Preparing the Picadillo
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and ground cloves.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the Olives, Raisins, and Capers:
- Stir in the sliced green olives, raisins, and capers (if using).
- Pour in the dry white wine or beef broth.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well combined.
Serving
- Season and Garnish:
- Season the Picadillo with salt to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve:
- Serve the Picadillo hot, accompanied by cooked white rice and fried plantains.
Variations and Tips
- Different Meats: Use ground turkey or pork as an alternative to ground beef.
- Extra Vegetables: Add diced carrots or peas for additional texture and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Benefits
Picadillo is a nutrient-rich dish that provides protein from the ground beef, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olives and olive oil. It’s a well-balanced meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Embracing Tradition
Picadillo is a beloved dish in Cuban cuisine, often enjoyed during family meals and gatherings. Making this dish at home allows you to experience a taste of Cuba and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal.
Try this authentic Picadillo recipe and savor the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Cuban ground beef hash. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.