Zesty Cuban Picadillo with Green Olives and Raisins

Name: Zesty Cuban Picadillo with Green Olives and Raisins
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion; 1 green bell pepper; 3 cloves garlic; 1 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/3 cup green olives; 1/4 cup raisins; 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup dry white wine

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

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

Preparation

Prepping the Vegetables

Heat Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté Vegetables

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

Cook Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Combining the Meat and Spices

Add Beef

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

Brown the Beef

Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

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

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

Sautéing the Base

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

Mixing the Flavors

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

Simmering for Depth

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

Plating & Serving