Picadillo for dad

Picadillo is very common where I'm from - I grew up eating different versions of it, but always containing ground meat. Usually Picadillo is prepared using sofrito, which is a base of spices, and root aromatics such as garlic and onions mixed with tomatoes or a tomato sauce. Chose any veggies to add to your meat mixture - most recipes I know use potatoes.

First - choose a nice cut of meat - I used grass-fed sirloin from the local Farmer's Market.

Crumble the beef in a large heated skillet with olive oil - add salt and pepper. The way I cook my Picadillo is a little different, I place the meat on one side of the skillet and the veggies on the other, then when almost cooked I combine them.

on one side of the skillet add chopped potatoes, carrots, green pepper, onion and lots of minced garlic - skillet should be very hot and all ingredients should carmelize. Once the meat and veggie mixture is almost done cooking add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1/2 tablespoon of cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of good quality (spicy) chili powder. Cook and stir, and slowly add about 1/4 cup of water - cover and simmer for 5-10 min until fully incorporated, and add more salt/pepper to taste.

Serve Picadillo with tortillas, avocado, salsa, lettuce, tomato and rice/beans as a side dish.

Enjoy :)