Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Costa Rican cuisine with this delightful recipe for Picadillo de Papa. This traditional dish is a beloved staple in Costa Rican households, offering a comforting blend of potatoes, vegetables, and savory seasonings. Picadillo de Papa embodies the essence of Costa Rican cooking, celebrating fresh ingredients and simple yet robust flavors. Whether enjoyed as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth and authenticity as you prepare this delicious Picadillo de Papa.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color of your choice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup cooked ground meat (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2- Add the chopped onions and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4- If using ground meat, add it to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.

5- Stir in the diced potatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the potatoes are well coated with the seasonings.

6- Add the diced tomato to the skillet and stir to combine all the ingredients.

7- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Picadillo de Papa simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.

8- Once the potatoes are cooked through, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

9- Garnish the Picadillo de Papa with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

10- Serve hot as a main dish or as a side dish alongside rice and beans for a complete Costa Rican meal.

Enjoy your flavorful Costa Rican Picadillo de Papa!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

Potatoes (medium, peeled and diced):

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits: Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. They provide energy and support digestion.

Onion (finely chopped):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Onions are rich in antioxidants and contain vitamins C and B6, as well as fiber. They may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Bell Pepper (diced, any color):

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits:Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. They promote healthy eyesight, support the immune system, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Garlic (minced):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Garlic is known for its potent medicinal properties. It contains compounds that may boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

Tomato (diced):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene. They support heart health, promote healthy skin, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Cooked Ground Meat (optional, 1/2 cup):

• Nutritional values will vary depending on the type of meat used. Ground beef, for example, may contain approximately:
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Depending on the type of meat used, it can be a good source of protein, vitamins B12 and B6, iron, and zinc. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Vegetable oils provide healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and aid in nutrient absorption.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Cumin is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. It can aid digestion, improve blood sugar control, and may promote weight loss.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits:Paprika contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants like beta-carotene. It may support eye health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric content.

benefits:While used mainly for flavoring, salt provides essential electrolytes like sodium and chloride, while pepper contains antioxidants like piperine, which may improve digestion.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish, 1/4 cup):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Cilantro is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. It may support detoxification, promote heart health, and help fight infections.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as cooking methods and specific ingredients used.