Mexican Picadillo

Mexican Picadillo is a flavorful, comforting ground beef hash, typically made with ground meat, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a combination of sweet and savory elements. It can be served as a main dish with rice or used as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or burritos. The dish varies by region, but the essential ingredients and the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors remain constant.

Here’s a basic recipe for Mexican Picadillo:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or pork)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots (optional)
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional, for a tangy touch)
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste (optional, for richness)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water (optional, for moisture)

Instructions:

1. Cook the potatoes: In a large skillet or pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook them until golden and tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Cook the ground beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. If using carrots, add them now and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), cumin, cinnamon, and chili powder. Let everything simmer for 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld.
5. Add the potatoes and other ingredients: Return the cooked potatoes to the pan, along with the peas, raisins, olives, and almonds (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Simmer: Add a bit of beef broth or water if you need extra moisture. Let the picadillo simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Picadillo can be served with rice, tortillas, or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or empanadas.

Variations:

• Add more spices: Some people like to add bay leaves, cloves, or even a little bit of chipotle for extra depth and heat.
• Vegetarian Picadillo: You can substitute the meat with a combination of mushrooms, lentils, or other plant-based ingredients for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet and Savory: Some regions add more raisins or even small pieces of apple to enhance the sweetness, creating a more distinct contrast with the savory elements.

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Picadillo!