- Tomatillos (SEO: tomatillos, husked and roasted)
- Achiote paste (SEO: achiote paste)
- Oregano (SEO: dried oregano)
- Salt (SEO: salt)
- Cumin (SEO: ground cumin)
- Bay leaves (SEO: bay leaf)
- Olive oil or lard (SEO: olive oil, lard)
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Steps
### Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish that combines ground meat, tomatoes, and spices to create a flavorful stew. Perfect for any family dinner or special occasion, this dish is packed with rich flavors and textures. Follow these detailed steps to make an authentic picadillo at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large ripe tomato, peeled and diced
- 1 can (8 oz/227g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (about 90g) raisins
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or lard
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Cumin seeds, crushed
- Oregano, dried, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
#### Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Peel and dice the tomato, ensuring it’s ripe for a better flavor.
- Slice the green bell pepper into thin strips.
2. **Heat the Oil or Lard:**
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil or lard over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
3. **Cook the Ground Meat:**
- Add the ground beef or pork to the heated oil and cook until it's browned and thoroughly cooked through.
- Drain off any excess fat if needed.
4. **Add Aromatics:**
- Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and crushed cumin seeds into the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the onions soften and develop a rich flavor.
5. **Incorporate Vegetables and Spices:**
- Add the diced tomato and sliced green bell pepper to the pot.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and dried oregano according to your taste preferences.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
6. **Add Tomato Sauce and Raisins:**
- Pour in the can of tomato sauce over the meat mixture.
- Add the raisins and mix well to incorporate them into the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. **Adjust Seasoning:**
- Taste the picadillo after 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Once cooked to your liking, remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and dried oregano just before serving for extra flavor.
- Serve hot over rice, along with a side of tortillas or vegetables.
### Tips for Perfect Picadillo:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they make a significant difference in the dish's taste.
- For a richer flavor, use lard instead of vegetable oil, as it is traditional in Mexican cooking.
- Adjust the heat level by substituting ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a milder version.
By following these detailed steps, you can create an authentic and delicious picadillo that will surely be a hit at your next family gathering. Enjoy preparing and savoring this flavorful Mexican dish!