Picadillo a la Habanera is a classic Cuban dish celebrated for its rich, sweet, and savory flavor profile. This traditional Cuban ground beef hash features a harmonious blend of ground beef, vegetables, spices, and a touch of sweetness from raisins and tanginess from green olives and capers. It's a versatile dish that shines as a main course served over rice, or as a savory filling for empanadas or tacos.
Originating from Havana, Cuba, Picadillo a la Habanera is deeply rooted in Cuban culinary traditions. It reflects the island’s unique blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The dish combines ingredients that were historically accessible to Cuban families, making it a beloved staple in Cuban homes. Its preparation often varies slightly from one family to another, showcasing regional and personal twists.
Ingredients:
1. 1 pound ground beef
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 green bell pepper, diced
5. 1 red bell pepper, diced
6. 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
7. 1/4 cup raisins
8. 1/4 cup sliced green olives
9. 2 tablespoons capers
10. 1 teaspoon cumin
11. 1 teaspoon oregano
12. 1/2 teaspoon salt
13. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14. 1/4 cup dry white wine
15. 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender and onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, raisins, sliced olives, capers, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve: Enjoy Picadillo a la Habanera over rice or use it as a filling for empanadas or tacos.
Notes:
- Substitute ground turkey or pork for a variation.
- Can be prepared in advance and reheated.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 pound ground beef
- Calories: 1150
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 77 grams
- Fat: 90 grams
- Sodium: 120 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 260 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of B vitamins, particularly B12
- Minerals: High in iron, zinc, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a high amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals important for muscle growth and overall health. However, it is also high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
2. 1 onion, diced
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 5 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C and B vitamins (especially B6)
- Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese, and small amounts of calcium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supports immune function, and aids in digestion.
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and vitamin B6
- Minerals: Provides small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic supports cardiovascular health and immune function.
4. 1 green bell pepper, diced
- Calories: 24
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin C and A, and contains vitamin B6 and folate
- Minerals: Provides potassium and small amounts of iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supports immune health and skin health, and aids in reducing inflammation.
5. 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Calories: 31
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C and vitamin A, and contains vitamin B6 and folate
- Minerals: Provides potassium and small amounts of iron
- Nutritional Benefit: High in antioxidants, supports immune health, and contributes to healthy vision and skin.
6. 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- Calories: 70
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 330 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides lycopene, an antioxidant beneficial for heart health, and supports immune function.
7. 1/4 cup raisins
- Calories: 108
- Carbohydrates: 29 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 4 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides potassium, iron, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in natural sugars and fiber, supports energy levels and digestion.
8. 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- Calories: 35
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Sodium: 250 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E
- Minerals: Provides iron and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains healthy fats and antioxidants, supports heart health, and adds flavor without many calories.
9. 2 tablespoons capers
- Calories: 5
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 250 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K
- Minerals: Provides calcium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor with minimal calories, provides antioxidants, and supports bone health.
10. 1 teaspoon cumin
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Provides iron, magnesium, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor, provides digestive benefits, and contains antioxidants.
11. 1 teaspoon oregano
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin K and contains small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides calcium, magnesium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants, supports digestion, and adds flavor with minimal calories.
12. 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1160 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; however, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure.
13. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Calories: 2
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K
- Minerals: Provides iron and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and may aid digestion, with potential antioxidant properties.
14. 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides small amounts of potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aroma, may enhance the absorption of certain nutrients, but contains alcohol.
15. 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E
- Minerals: Provides small amounts of calcium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, supports heart health, and provides antioxidant benefits.
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