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Cuban ClassicsWeeknight

Cuban Picadillo

Cuban ground beef hash with olives, capers, and a hint of sweetness from raisins. The weeknight workhorse.

Time: 30 minYield: Serves 4By: Serg

The Cook

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  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute.

  2. Add the ground beef. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, wine, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

  5. Stir in the olives, capers, and raisins. Simmer 5 more minutes. Remove the bay leaf.

  6. Adjust the seasoning. Serve over white rice with maduros on the side.

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Serg's Notes

These amounts are already at my 1.5x bold profile. A normal recipe runs lighter, and it tastes like it.

A splash of white wine vinegar at the end deepens the flavor. Some cooks add diced potatoes for a heartier version.

Picadillo also works as a filling for empanadas or papas rellenas. Skip the olives and raisins if you want a cleaner savory profile.

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