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Picadillo

Savory Picadillo: Your Go-To Comfort Food Delight

Picadillo is a hearty comfort food that combines sweet raisins with salty olives, creating a delightful weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil can be a substitute.
  • 1 piece Yellow Onion White onion can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 piece Red Bell Pepper Green bell pepper can be a substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh garlic for best results.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice Nutmeg can be a substitute.
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Cayenne can be used for more heat.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Adjust according to preference.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine Vegetable broth can be a substitute.
For the Sweetness
  • 1/2 cup Dark Raisins Dried apricots can be a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Green Olives Black olives can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Capers Omitting this will yield a milder flavor.
For the Protein and Serving
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (85% Lean) Ground turkey is a lean alternative.
  • to serve cups Cooked White Rice Can be swapped with quinoa.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen in color and flavor. Ensure the paste integrates fully with the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
  3. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
  4. Pour in one can of drained diced tomatoes and mix thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, stirring well while allowing it to reduce for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Fold in 1/2 cup of dark raisins and 1/2 cup of sliced green olives, and if using capers, add 2 tablespoons. Stir and adjust seasoning with salt.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and serve your Picadillo over fluffy cooked white rice or in warm tortillas.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Taste as you cook to adjust flavors. Let leftovers cool before storing. This dish gets better over time.

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