Cuban Picadillo Delight
Experience the rich, warm flavors of Cuba with this authentic Picadillo recipe, a cherished classic that brings together ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices. This dish is a nostalgic reminder of the cozy meals enjoyed at beloved local Cuban eateries, featuring a delicious balance of sweet and savory notes from raisins and olives. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, serve it over fluffy white rice and black beans, and enjoy a taste of Cuba in every bite. This dish also improves in flavor when reheated the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option!
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Oil or Lard
1/4 cup (none)
Green Pepper
1 (finely diced)
Onions
2 large (finely diced)
Apple Cider Vinegar
5 teaspoons (none)
Red Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
Cooking Wine
1/3 cup (none)
Tomato Sauce
1 (15-ounce) can (none)
Ground Beef or Ground Pork
2 lbs (or combination)
Pimento Stuffed Olives
15-20 whole (none)
Raisins
1/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a mortar, combine the salt, ground pepper, and minced garlic. Mash until well blended into a paste.
2
In a large skillet, heat the oil or lard over medium heat. Add the garlic mixture, diced green pepper, and onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Add the apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar to the skillet, mixing well.
5
Incorporate the ground meat into the skillet, breaking it up as you cook. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until just browned.
6
Add the cooking wine, pimento-stuffed olives, and raisins. Stir to combine fully.
7
Reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and absorbed, and the flavors have developed.
8
Serve hot over rice, with black beans on the side, and enjoy a refreshing cold beer for the full experience. This dish tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Picadillo Delight?
It is an authentic Cuban recipe featuring ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of sweet and savory spices like raisins and olives.
What meats can be used for this recipe?
You can use 2 lbs of ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of both for this dish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the primary aromatics used?
The dish uses 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 large finely diced onions, and 1 finely diced green pepper as its aromatic base.
How do you prepare the garlic and spice mixture?
Combine 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper, and 6 minced garlic cloves in a mortar and mash them into a paste.
What type of cooking fat is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of either oil or lard to sauté the vegetables.
How long should I sauté the onions and peppers?
Sauté the garlic mixture, green pepper, and onions for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
When is the tomato sauce added?
The tomato sauce is added after the vegetables are sautéed; it should simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What types of vinegar are required?
This authentic recipe uses a combination of 5 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar.
How long does it take to brown the meat?
The ground meat should be cooked and broken up for about 5 minutes until it is just browned.
Which olives are used in authentic Cuban Picadillo?
The recipe specifies using 15 to 20 whole pimento-stuffed olives for a salty and savory kick.
Is there alcohol in this recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of cooking wine is added to the meat mixture to enhance the sauce.
Why are raisins included in the ingredients?
Raisins provide a delicious sweet note that balances the savory flavors of the meat and the saltiness of the olives.
How long should the Picadillo simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What is the intended result of the simmering process?
Simmering allows the liquid to reduce and be absorbed, ensuring the flavors have fully developed.
What should I serve with Cuban Picadillo?
It is best served hot over fluffy white rice with black beans on the side.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a fantastic meal prep option because the flavors actually improve when reheated the next day.
Can I prepare this in one pot?
Yes, this is a one-pot meal prepared in a large skillet, making it easy for cleanup.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
This authentic Cuban Picadillo recipe consists of 13 key ingredients.
What size of tomato sauce can should I use?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much salt is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of salt, which is mashed together with garlic and pepper.
Is the green pepper diced finely?
Yes, the green pepper should be finely diced before being added to the skillet.
What drink is suggested as a pairing?
For the full authentic experience, enjoy this meal with a refreshing cold beer.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a cherished classic and a nostalgic reminder of cozy meals enjoyed at local Cuban eateries.
Can I use any type of ground meat?
The recipe recommends 2 lbs of ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of both.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 large onions that have been finely diced.
Is this a quick dinner option?
While it requires about an hour of simmering, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for weeknight dinners.
Does this recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper mashed with the garlic and salt.
What is the primary category of this recipe?
This dish is categorized under Meat recipes.
Is the garlic minced or whole?
The 6 garlic cloves should be minced before being mashed into a paste with the salt and pepper.