Abuelas Cuban Picadillo a Taste of Havana in Your Home
Abuela's Cuban Picadillo: A Taste of Havana
Fancy a trip to Cuba without leaving your kitchen? Ever craved that abuela (grandmother) style comfort food that just hugs you from the inside? Then get ready, because this cuban picadillo recipe is your one-way ticket to flavour town!
What's the Deal with Picadillo?
Picadillo is basically cuban ground beef skillet magic. Think savoury, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. It has authentic cuban roots.
Every family has their own twist. It is delicious latin recipe . This version is inspired by my abuela’s recipe. It’s easy to make.
It will take about an hour. This recipe makes enough for 6 servings. That’s enough for seconds and thirds.
Why You Need This in Your Life
This cuban picadillo recipe is packed with flavour and a good source of protein. It’s a perfect easy dinner recipes .
Great for a cosy night in. Use it to impress your mates with something different. This recipe is special because of the balance of flavours.
Time to gather your ingredients. We are going to make the best picadillo with olives and the best picadillo with raisins.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some seriously delicious cuban recipes and my Abuela recipe for Cuban Picadillo ! This isn't rocket science, I promise.
We're aiming for that authentic cuban cuisine flavor, the kind that makes you feel like you're chilling in Havana.
Ingredients & Equipment: No Stress, Just Flavor
You know, finding the right ingredients is half the battle. But honestly? Don't sweat it too much. Use what you can get.
Main Ingredients for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe
Alright, here's the rundown. This cuban ground beef skillet will be epic.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for good quality stuff, but don't break the bank.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g). The sweeter, the better for this comfort food recipes .
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g).
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons/10g). Fresh is best, always!
- Ground Beef: 1 ½ pounds (680g), lean (85/15). Don’t go too fatty, trust me. We need that picadillo with olives and picadillo with raisins flavor popping!
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). This is crucial. Don't skip it!
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Again, essential for that latin recipes vibe.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml), or to taste. Season like you mean it.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml), or to taste. Gotta have that little kick.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can . Any brand will do.
- Beef Broth: ½ cup (120 ml). This helps the flavor. In a pinch, use bouillon. If your out of beef broth a good beef broth substitute could be chicken stock with a little Worcestershire sauce.
- Pimento Stuffed Green Olives: ¼ cup , sliced (60 ml). This is where the magic happens.
- Raisins: ¼ cup (60 ml). I know, I know, raisins are controversial, but trust me.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Adds a lovely tang. A good red wine vinegar substitute can be lemon juice.
- Capers: 1 tablespoon , drained (15 ml). Don't skip these!
- Sugar: A pinch, optional. Just to balance the acidity.
Quality Indicators: Honestly? Ground beef is the main thing. Get it fresh if you can. For the olives and capers use good brands.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Cumin and oregano are your power couple here. They bring that warm, earthy flavor that is so distinctly Cuban. Don't be shy with them.
Flavor enhancers? Garlic, always garlic! And a pinch of sugar to balance the tang.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- A big skillet or Dutch oven.
- A cutting board and knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A wooden spoon or spatula.
Honestly, you probably have all this stuff already. This recipe is great for easy dinner recipes , you know?
If you're missing a fancy Dutch oven, don't stress. A regular large skillet works just fine. This cuban picadillo recipe is all about making do and having fun.
Cooking Abuela's Cuban Picadillo Recipe Like a Pro
So, you wanna learn how to make my abuela's Cuban Picadillo recipe ? Honestly, it's easier than you think. This ain't your average ground beef dish.
It's comfort food recipe elevated, bringing a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine straight to your kitchen. Trust me, after trying this Latin recipe , you'll be hooked.
Picadillo is more than just a dish. It's about bringing people together.
Prep Like a Boss: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, mise en place , my friend! Chop your 1 large yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper .
Mince those 4 cloves of garlic . Having everything ready before you start cooking is a total game changer for your ground beef recipes.
Trust me, you will thank me later. A little bit of prep saves you time and stress. This helps a lot when trying other cuban recipes .
step-by-step Picadillo Magic
Time to get cooking! Here's the lowdown.
- Sauté the chopped onion and green pepper in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until soft. That's about 5- 7 minutes over medium heat.
- Toss in the minced garlic . Cook for just 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown 1 ½ pounds of ground beef , breaking it up as you go. Drain off any excess grease. No one wants a greasy cuban ground beef skillet !
- Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin , 1 teaspoon oregano , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Toast those spices for about a minute.
- Pour in 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce and ½ cup of beef broth . Simmer on low for 20 minutes , covered.
- Stir in ¼ cup sliced olives , ¼ cup raisins , 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar , and 1 tablespoon capers . Cook for another 5 minutes . This creates our famous picadillo with olives .
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Maybe add a pinch of sugar if needed. Remember that balance between the sweet, salty, and acidic flavors is key.
- Serve with rice for the best easy dinner recipes !
Pro Tips for Picadillo Perfection
Don't overcook the ground beef. You want it browned, not tough. Avoid using too much oil, or your cuban ground beef skillet will be really oily.
Make a double batch. Picadillo with raisins tastes even better the next day!
Recipe Notes: Your Picadillo Playbook
So, you're about to embark on your cuban picadillo recipe adventure. Awesome! This ain't just a recipe; it's a guide to making this dish truly yours .
Think of it as your Abuela's (grandmother's) secret recipe, but with a modern twist.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate!
Presentation matters, you know? Plating this cuban ground beef skillet can make all the difference. I love serving it in a rustic bowl over white rice.
Simple, but classic! For sides, consider sweet plantain recipes , a match made in heaven. Or, try a refreshing latin recipes style salad to balance the richness.
And don't forget a cold beverage like a refreshing Mojito.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This comfort food recipes dish is even better the next day. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days .
Honestly, I've never tried freezing it. But, I reckon it would work fine for up to 2 months . Make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of beef broth substitute if needed to moisten.
Variations: Make it Your Own
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes! Boom, spicy picadillo! Need a vegetarian ground beef substitute ? Crumbled plant based ground works like a charm.
Feeling seasonal? Try adding small cubed sweet potato recipes to the recipe for a sweet potato picadillo. It gives it a warm, autumn vibe.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's get down to the nitty gritty. This easy dinner recipes dish is packed with protein from the ground beef. It also delivers vitamins from the veggies.
The raisins provide a bit of natural sweetness and fiber. Remember, this is simplified nutrition info, but it's good to know what you're eating.
Alright, go get cooking! Don't be afraid to experiment with this cuban picadillo recipe . Add a little of your own personality.
You got this! ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy!). You can get authentic cuban food in your home. If you can't find red wine vinegar red wine vinegar substitute lemon juice or lime juice work just fine to add the right amount of acidity to the picadillo with olives and picadillo with raisins.
k_annotated : ['cuban recipes', 'ground beef recipes', 'easy dinner recipes', 'comfort food recipes', 'latin recipes', 'authentic cuban cuisine', 'abuela recipe', 'plantain recipes', 'empanada recipe', 'slow cooker recipes', 'beef broth substitute', 'red wine vinegar substitute', 'vegetarian ground beef substitute',
'sweet potato recipes']
['cuban recipes', 'ground beef recipes', 'easy dinner recipes', 'comfort food recipes', 'latin recipes', 'picadillo with olives', 'picadillo with raisins', 'cuban ground beef skillet', 'authentic cuban food', 'havana style picadillo']
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Picadillo, anyway? Is it like a shepherd's pie from the Caribbean?
That's a great analogy! Cuban picadillo is essentially a savory ground beef hash. It's simmered in a tomato based sauce with a delightful mix of sweet raisins, salty olives, and tangy vinegar, creating a complex and comforting flavor profile reminiscent of home cooking.
It's a staple dish in Cuba, often served over rice and sometimes used as a filling for empanadas or other savory pastries.
My picadillo turned out too bland! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix my Cuban picadillo recipe next time?
Bland picadillo is a common woe, but easily fixable! First, taste and adjust your seasoning it likely needs more salt and pepper. Also, ensure you properly sautéed the onions, peppers, and garlic at the beginning; they're the foundation of the flavor.
Next time, don't be shy with the spices, and consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed, like a little Mary Poppins magic to sweeten the deal.
Can I make this Cuban picadillo recipe ahead of time? I'm prepping for a party like a seasoned pro!
Absolutely! In fact, picadillo often tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together in the fridge, creating a richer and more harmonious dish. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, it's perfect for meal prep!
I'm not a fan of olives or raisins. Can I substitute them in this Cuban picadillo recipe without committing a culinary crime?
Don't worry, the food police won't come knocking! Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. For olives, try using chopped green bell pepper for a similar briny taste and texture. If you dislike raisins, dried cranberries offer a comparable sweetness and chewiness, or you can simply omit them altogether.
Just remember that these omissions may change the intended flavour of the dish.
Is there a way to make a vegetarian version of this Cuban picadillo recipe? My veggie friends want in on the flavor fun!
Definitely! You can easily make this picadillo vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with crumbled plant based ground meat alternatives. Lentils or even chopped mushrooms can also work well, although they'll have a slightly different texture.
The rest of the recipe remains the same, so your vegetarian friends can enjoy the flavors of Cuba guilt free!
What's the best way to serve this Cuban picadillo recipe? I want the full Cuban experience!
For the classic Cuban experience, serve your picadillo over fluffy white rice with a side of sweet fried plantains (maduros) it's the perfect sweet and savory combination. You can also serve it with black beans and rice (Moros y Cristianos) for a complete meal.
And if you're feeling adventurous, try using it as a filling for empanadas or topping for tostones (fried green plantain chips)!
Abuelas Cuban Picadillo A Taste Of Havana In You
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
