Cuban Picadillo Criollo Recipe To Soothe The Soul

This post is part of a sponsored collaboration with Sedano's and Dime Media. However, all opinions expressed are my own. 

As you know, I love good food, from every culture. However, there is always that comforting feeling that comes from cooking and eating dishes that remind me of my childhood. The Cuban kitchen is full of color, flavors and "sazon" and when I need to reconnect with my roots, and bring a little of my culture back to my everyday life, there is one dish I always come back to.

The Picadillo Criollo is perhaps one of the most well known and typical Cuban dishes. A flavorful fusion of ground beef with sweet and salty ingredients makes it a favorite in most Cuban homes, and its simplicity gives it an edge for those preparing last minute meals.

Born in Havana, and modified throughout the world, this tasty dish always made my mouth water when I came home from school and inhaled its delicious aroma.  My mother knew I would never say no to Picadillo Criollo, so it quickly became a weekly tradition in our home.

Now, I simply love making the dish, especially when I want to chat with my mom and reminisce. Or better yet, when my daughter is home from college and we can enjoy each other's company in the kitchen as we chop away. 

#CapturaTuCultura at Sedano's

That's exactly what we did on her most recent trip back home.  After returning from a very emotional cruise to Havana, Cuba this holiday season and being able to step on the same soil my parents, grandparents and great grandparents loved so much, we couldn't wait to extend that cultural feeling just a little bit longer. We jumped in the car to Sedano's supermarket to buy all the ingredients and I donned my apron as we began our culinary adventure.  I'd like to share our family's Picadillo Criollo recipe with you and I hope you enjoy this #tradicion as much as we do. 

Picadillo Criollo

Serving Size: 4 

Total Prep Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef

1 cup of tomato sauce

1/2 cup corn oil

1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 cup of white wine

1 envelope Sazon Goya

1 bay leaf

3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

1/3 cup of raisins

1/2 cup of stuffed Spanish olives, cut in pieces

Salt to taste

Directions:



 1. Place a saucepan on medium heat and add the corn oil.

 2. Add the green bell pepper, onion, and garlic and then add the bay leaf. Cook for about 10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and slightly colored.

3. Add the tomato sauce and white wine to the vegetables and stir for about 5 minutes or until the oil separates from the sauce.

4. Add the potato cubes to the mix and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender.

5. Add the ground beef and stir in the Sazon Goya packet.

6. As the meat cooks for about 20-25 minutes on medium heat, add the olives and the raisins.

7. Stir the meat and add salt to taste.

8. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and serve over white rice and fried plantains.

9. Enjoy your Picadillo Criollo.

Picadillo Criollo

  

Remember to shop at your nearest Sedano's for those special Latin ingredients we all know and love. Traditions and values are shared in the kitchen, and since 1962, Sedano's has helped that happen. For more information, visit their webpage at https://sedanos.com. #Ad