Cuban Night.

Friday, May 27, 2011


Being half-Cuban and from Miami, I often tap into my latin roots and cook something that is reminiscent of home.  The other night I opted for something simple and cheap, yet delicioso: picadillo. Picadillo is a mixture of ground beef, onions, pepper, olives, and raisins served over white rice. My mom (who is American nonetheless) sent me this recipe along with some articles on the picadillo blog war.  Cubans are very proud of their roots and have different opinions on what makes a truly authentic picadillo.  Some may argue if this is an authentic version but in my opinion it surely is!  Either way, it is a staple in Cuban kitchens and is sure to leave all plates wiped clean at the end of a meal!








Picadillo

6 TB olive oil
4 garlic cloves chopped
2 large onions, chopped (about 3 cups)
2 green peppers, chopped
1 bay leaf (optional)
3 lb. ground meat
1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
1/2 – ¾ cup vino seco (found in the Latin food section or use dry cooking wine)
1 cup pimiento stuffed olives
1 cup of raisins
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
First brown the meat in 2-3 TB olive oil. Drain all fat and set the meat aside. In a large skillet and in medium heat, sautee the garlic, onion, green pepper and bay leaf in the olive oil for about 15- 20 minutes. Add the meat. Turn heat down to medium low. Add the tomato sauce and vino seco. Bring to a slight boil, and reduce temperature again to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes. While it simmers, slice the pimiento stuffed olives. After the 30 minutes are up, remove the lid, add the olives and the raisins and cook, uncovered, in a slow simmer for another 15 minutes. If it is too dry, you can add more tomato sauce. Serve over fluffy, white rice.

Yields: 6-8 servings (Depending if you are Cuban or American!)


12 comments:

Hayley said...

Yum! Looks good! I love onions and bell pepper!!

Hayley
http://theweekendifle.blogspot.com

Claudia Moser said...

I'll try but skip the raisins, I'm allergic :(

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

This sounds soooooo delicious! Bookmarked!

New to your blog; happy I found you!

Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls

Tamra {ever swoon} said...

Ohhh - OK gonna have to try this over the weekend!! Delish! Shall I pair with a mojito?

Dana @TheSundaySweet said...

This sounds so flavorful! I would love to try it!

Happy weekend girls!

xo,
Dana

jaclyn @ thelateafternoon said...

i've never heard of picadillo before, but it looks delicious! the olives, onions, and tomato sauce must give the dish such a yummy flavor!

Gawgus things... said...

Ooooh, looks so good! Have never heard of it before so must look it up :) xxx

Claudia Moser said...

Just wanted to drop by and tell you that an award is waiting for you on my blog :) Have a nice weekend!

Unknown said...

I'm brazilian but i love Cuban food! thanks for sharing!beijossss

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

you girls always have the tastiest treats going on over here - i love it! can always count on you to rouse up my appetite. it's lunch time here now so totally inspired to find something along these lines to devour! yum-delish!!!! happy rest of the weekend. ♥

Sabina said...

Looks delicious!

My husband's Irish but he makes a mean picadillo. We both love Cuban food.

Robyn said...

It's 11 oclock at night an you make me want to get up and cook. Not cool. Especially since I am the worlds worst cook. This all looks so delicious though.

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