COUNTRY:                           CUBA

DISH:                                     PICADILLO

CONTRIBUTED BY:            Denis Cardenas, Owner at El Jalapeno

Picadillo is a traditional dish in Spain, in many Latin American countries and in the Philippines. It is a famous food from Cuba. Its name originates from the Spanish word “picar” which means “to mince” which explains the presence of ground beef.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 green bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 medium russet potato, chopped into small pieces

1 (10.5-ounce can) diced tomatoes and chillies

1 (8-ounce can) tomato sauce

salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 teaspoon cumin

Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish.

 

Method

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and add the ground beef. Stir the ground beef to break it up and to cook it until it is no longer pink.
  2. Add chopped onions and bell pepper.
  3. Stir until the onions are softened.
  4. Stir in the diced potatoes (small pieces to ensure they are cooked through).
  5. Add the diced tomatoes and chillies (with liquid), tomato sauce, taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir.
  6. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or chopped green onions before serving.