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Zesty Cuban Picadillo with Green Olives and Raisins

Zesty Cuban Picadillo with Green Olives and Raisins


A Classic Cuban Dish with a Sweet and Savory Twist

This vibrant Cuban Picadillo offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, complete with green olives and plump raisins for a unique twist.

  • 45 min
  • 4
  • Easy

Chef’s Tip: For a richer flavor, let the picadillo sit for 24 hours to let the spices meld together.

Ingredients

For the Picadillo Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion
finely chopped
1 green bell pepper
diced
3 cloves garlic
minced

For the Meat Mixture

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste

For the Sweet and Savory Additions

1/3 cup green olives
sliced
1/4 cup raisins
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
with juice
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup dry white wine
Chef’s Tip:

Preparation


Prepping the Vegetables

1

Heat Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2

Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onions and diced green bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3

Cook Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Combining the Meat and Spices

1

Add Beef

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, add ground beef.

2

Brown the Beef

Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Ensure the ground beef is browned thoroughly to avoid any raw spots.

3

Mix Spices

Mix in cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined.

You can substitute beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.

Cooking Process


1

Sautéing the Base

Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the heated olive oil.

2

Mixing the Flavors

Combine the cooked meat, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce with the sautéed base.

3

Simmering for Depth

Stir in sliced olives, raisins, and white wine; simmer until the sauce thickens.

Never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a lid nearby …

Plating & Serving


Zesty Cuban Picadillo with Green Olives and Raisins

Zesty Cuban Picadillo with Green Olives and Raisins

Zesty Cuban Picadillo with Green Olives and Raisins

FaUtensils

Serve with Rice

Serve the picadillo over a bed of steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Sauce Pairings

Mojo sauce
A citrusy garlic sauce
Hot sauce
For extra spice on the side

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Fresh cilantroLime wedges

Perfect Sides

Black beans
Fried plantains

Chef's Final Touch

For a richer flavor, let the picadillo sit for 24 hours to let the spices meld together.

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