How To Prepare Picadillo: A Delicious And Easy Recipe
Cesar Chien
Introduction
Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish that is easy to prepare and delicious to eat. It is a mix of ground beef, vegetables, and spices that can be served as a main course or as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or other dishes. In this article, we will show you how to make picadillo step-by-step, including a list of ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
To prepare picadillo, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound of ground beef - 1 onion, chopped - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can of diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon of tomato paste - 1 teaspoon of cumin - 1 teaspoon of chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon of olive oil - 1/2 cup of water - Optional: raisins, olives, capers, or other ingredients to taste
Instructions
Now let's start cooking! 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. 2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft. 3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant. 4. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. 5. Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir to combine. 6. Add the water to the pan and stir again. 7. If you want to add any optional ingredients like raisins or olives, now is the time to do so. 8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. 9. Taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning as needed. 10. Serve the picadillo hot with rice, beans, or tortillas, or use it as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or other dishes.
Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for one serving of picadillo (based on 6 servings): - Calories: 251 - Total fat: 16g - Saturated fat: 6g - Cholesterol: 74mg - Sodium: 234mg - Total carbohydrates: 7g - Dietary fiber: 1g - Sugars: 3g - Protein: 19g Picadillo is a relatively low-carb and high-protein dish that is a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, the exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the most of your picadillo: - Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. - Add more vegetables to the picadillo for extra flavor and nutrition. Some good options include carrots, celery, zucchini, or corn. - Make the picadillo in advance and reheat it for an easy weeknight meal. - Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking. - Use leftover picadillo as a topping for nachos, salads, or baked potatoes. - Consider adding a splash of vinegar or lime juice to the picadillo for a tangy twist.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to prepare picadillo, you can enjoy this delicious and versatile dish at home anytime. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a filling for other dishes, picadillo is a tasty and satisfying meal that is sure to please. So grab your apron and get cooking!