Origin and Region:
Picadillo is a traditional dish in many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and others. It has Spanish roots and has evolved differently in various regions. The dish is particularly popular in Mexico and is often enjoyed as a filling for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans.
Introduction:
Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with vegetables and spices, served with warm flour tortillas. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Flour tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa
Tips:
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more cumin, oregano, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier picadillo, you can add chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make a double batch of picadillo and freeze the leftovers for future meals.
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomato, sliced green olives, capers, and raisins (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the picadillo simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the picadillo hot, accompanied by warm flour tortillas.
- Allow everyone to assemble their own tacos by spooning the picadillo onto the tortillas and adding their favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa.
Description:
Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas is a classic Latin American dish that combines savory ground beef with a medley of vegetables and spices. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. The picadillo is flavorful and aromatic, with hints of sweetness from the raisins and tanginess from the olives and capers. Served with warm flour tortillas, it’s a delicious and hearty meal that will please everyone at the table.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1/4 of recipe (without tortillas and optional toppings)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 18g
(Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients used and serving size.)