Abuela's Sunshine Picadillo
Bring Cuba to your table with my Authentic Cuban Picadillo Recipe! This easy ground beef dish, simmered with olives & raisins, is pure comfort food. Get the recipe! ... Comfort Classics
Abuela's Sunshine Picadillo: A Taste of Cuba in Your Kitchen
Fancy a trip to Havana without the jet lag? This cuban picadillo recipe is your ticket. Honestly, I think it's the perfect blend of savory and sweet.
What is Picadillo Anyway?
Cuban picadillo is a traditional dish. it originated in spain and latin america. it is a yummy ground meat stew.
Think of it as cuban comfort food . this picadillo recipe is easy, taking only 50 minutes. it yields six servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Picadillo
This authentic cuban picadillo recipe is packed with flavor. it's also relatively healthy. did you know that ground beef is a great source of protein? the sweet raisins and salty olives make it special.
It is perfect served over rice with plantains!
Gathering Your Ingredients
Right, let's talk ingredients. you'll need mince, onion, garlic, and green pepper. we will also be needing canned tomatoes, red wine (optional), and beef broth.
Don't forget the raisins and olives. cumin, oregano, and a touch of cinnamon are crucial.
Level Up Your Picadillo
Want to add a special flavour to your picadillo recipe ? a splash of red wine does wonders. if you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
If you are vegetarian, switch the meat to plant based ground "beef".
Right then, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up this Cuban picadillo recipe . Don’t worry, it’s not a shopping list from hell. Promise!
Abuela's Sunshine Picadillo Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
The Kit & Caboodle
For this authentic Cuban picadillo recipe , it's all about simple goodness. We’re talking everyday stuff. Nothing fancy, just proper flavour.
Main Ingredients: The Starters
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Good quality is always better, but any will do.
Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About a cup. You know? The tear-jerking kind.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Roughly 2 teaspoons . Oh my gosh, do NOT skimp on the garlic.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , finely chopped. Another cup-ish.
Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds ( 680g ). 80/20 blend is spot on.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce/411g), undrained. Straight from the tin. Easy peasy.
Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml). Optional, honestly. But it gives a Ground Beef Cuban Recipe awesome depth!
Beef Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml). Low sodium is best.
Raisins: 1/4 cup (40g). Don’t knock 'em 'til you've tried 'em! They add a lovely sweetness to this picadillo recipe .
Green Olives: 1/4 cup (40g), sliced. Pimento-stuffed are the classic choice.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons . Boom.
Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . Acidity is key!
Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon . Can you substitute? Yes, but I don't recomend!
Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon . Don't let them expire!
Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon . Sounds weird, I know, but trust me!
Salt & Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each, or to taste.
Bay Leaf: 1 . Just one will do.
Seasoning Secrets
Cumin, oregano, and a wee pinch of cinnamon? that's the magic right there! it is what makes this cuban picadillo sing.
Red wine vinegar brightens it all up. honestly, don't leave it out. got no red wine? a splash of balsamic will do in a pinch.
Gear You'll Need
Basically, a decent sized skillet or dutch oven. a wooden spoon is a must. oh, and measuring cups and spoons.
Unless you’re really good at eyeballing it. you need a knife for the veggies as well. it is a easy cuban dinner recipes after all, so keep it simple.
Right, that's the stuff! Cuban dishes are all about simple flavours. Let's get cracking!
Abuela's Sunshine Picadillo: A Taste of Cuba in Your Kitchen
Honestly, have you ever tried cuban picadillo ? oh my gosh, it's like sunshine in a bowl. this ain't just any old picadillo recipe ; this is my take on a classic.
Inspired by sun-drenched havana. it's the perfect cuban comfort food . think savoury ground beef, sweet raisins, briny olives – all simmered to perfection.
Ready for my authentic cuban picadillo recipe ?
Prep Like a Pro for Picadillo
First things first, mise en place . sounds fancy, right? basically, it means get your act together before you start cooking.
Chop your 1 medium yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper into small pieces. mince 2 cloves of garlic. got it? this little bit of effort saves loads of time.
We’re not rushing, but we're not hanging about either. plus, have your ingredients measured out so you are not scrambling later.
Sunshine Picadillo Step-by-Step
This Ground Beef Cuban Recipe is easier than you think!
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Chuck in your chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Now add the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes , until fragrant. Smells amazing already, doesn’t it?
- Add 1.5 pounds ground beef and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any extra grease. No one wants a greasy picadillo, eh?
- Stir in one 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes (undrained), 1/2 cup dry red wine (totally optional, but trust me, it adds a whole new level), and 1/4 cup beef broth.
- Now for the fun bit! Add 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup sliced pimento-stuffed green olives, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, and 1 bay leaf.
- Bring it to a simmer, then turn down the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes , or even up to 30 minutes . Stir it now and again to make sure nothing sticks.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning. Maybe it needs a bit more salt? Or a pinch more cinnamon? It’s your Cuban Picadillo with Olives and Raisins , make it your own! Remember to take out the bay leaf before serving.
Top Tips for a Perfect Picadillo
Want to elevate your Picadillo Recipe with Red Wine ? Here are my top tips:
- Don't skip the olives! They give that salty, briny kick that makes picadillo, well, picadillo .
- Low and slow is the way to go. Letting the flavors mingle for 20- 30 minutes makes a HUGE difference.
- Make it ahead! Honestly, Easy Cuban Dinner Recipes like this always taste better the next day. All the flavours get to know each other.
Right then, there you have it. get stuck in to the best cuban dishes . serve it over rice, with sweet plantains, and a side of black beans.
Don't forget those lime wedges! enjoy, my friend!
Recipe Notes for Abuela's Sunshine Picadillo: A Taste of Cuba in Your Kitchen
Alright, so you’re about to whip up this amazing cuban picadillo recipe , eh? honestly, it's proper lush. before you get going, here are a few bits and bobs i reckon you'll find helpful.
Think of it as friendly advice from your mate down the street.
Serving Suggestions: Presentation and Perfect Pairings
Right, you've slaved away at making this authentic cuban picadillo recipe , so let's make it look banging, yeah? plating-wise, a simple bowl of fluffy rice topped with a generous dollop of this cuban picadillo is ace.
A sprig of fresh coriander adds a touch of class.
But don't stop there! sweet plantains on the side? chef's kiss! and a glass of chilled, crisp white wine? even better.
It's that sweet and savory thing, you know ? for the full cuban dishes experience, offer lime wedges. a little squeeze adds a nice tang.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh and Fantastic
Honestly, leftovers of this picadillo recipe are a godsend. if you have any left, let it cool completely. then, whack it in an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.
It’ll keep for about 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? no worries, mate! it freezes brilliantly. just pop it in a freezer-safe container and it'll last for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to tuck in, defrost it overnight in the fridge. reheating is a doddle: a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the hob until it's piping hot.
Just like that.
Variations: Tweaks and Twists
Fancy making this ground beef cuban recipe your own? fair enough, innit? for a healthier vibe, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey.
It's just as tasty. if you're veggie, you can use a plant-based mince instead.
In winter, you could throw in some butternut squash – it'll add a bit of seasonal sweetness to your picadillo with olives and raisins .
It's tasty and adaptable. a splash of sherry adds a bit of depth!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so here's the skinny on the nutrition. each serving of this easy cuban dinner recipes magic has about 350 calories.
You're also getting a decent whack of protein (around 30g) and a bit of fibre. the raisins and tomatoes give you some vitamins, and it feels good for you!
The picadillo recipe with red wine is good for your body.
So, there you have it. Everything you need to know to make this cuban comfort food dish truly special. Now get in the kitchen and start cooking! Honestly, you'll love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Cuban Picadillo, and why should I bother making this recipe?
Cuban Picadillo is a fantastic dish of seasoned ground beef simmered with tomatoes, olives, raisins, and spices. Think of it like a Cuban version of shepherd's pie filling, but way more exciting! It's super versatile – you can serve it over rice, use it as a filling for empanadas, or even stuff bell peppers with it. Plus, this Cuban picadillo recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but flavourful enough to impress your mates.
Can I make this Cuban Picadillo recipe ahead of time, like a good old Sunday roast?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, Picadillo often tastes even better the next day. The flavours have more time to meld together, creating a richer, deeper taste – a bit like a well-aged cheddar. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
I'm not a big fan of raisins and olives. Can I leave them out of this Cuban picadillo recipe?
While raisins and olives are traditional ingredients that add sweetness and a briny bite, you can definitely adjust the recipe to your taste. If you're not keen, feel free to reduce the amount or leave them out altogether. Consider adding a touch of sweetness with a pinch of brown sugar if you skip the raisins, and maybe some capers for that salty hit if you ditch the olives. Ultimately, it's your picadillo, so make it your own!
Is Cuban Picadillo healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Cuban Picadillo can be part of a balanced diet. It provides a good source of protein from the ground beef, and some vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and other ingredients. To make it healthier, consider using lean ground beef (or ground turkey) and reducing the amount of added salt. Serving it with brown rice instead of white rice can also bump up the fiber content.
Any tips for getting the most flavour out of my Cuban picadillo? I want it to taste like Abuela made it!
For that authentic Abuela flavour, don't rush the cooking process. Sautéing the aromatics (onion, garlic, and bell pepper) properly is crucial to building a flavour base. Simmering the picadillo for at least 20-30 minutes allows the spices to meld and deepen. And don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning – a little extra cumin or oregano can make all the difference. A bay leaf can also really enhance the flavors!
Can I freeze leftover Cuban Picadillo? I'm always cooking for one (or two).
Yes, absolutely! Cuban Picadillo freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat thoroughly before serving. It’s a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand!
