This picadillo soup blends lean ground meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and green chilies into a comforting, savory bowl. Start by browning the meat for a rich base, then sauté the aromatics until they glow. Add the tomatoes, peppers, and a splash of broth, letting everything simmer until tender and deeply flavorful. The mix releases bright, hearty notes with protein to power your day. Want more tips and tweaks to customize it further? Keep going for details.
Ingredients and Quantity
For this soup, gather a flavorful base of ingredients: ground beef or turkey, diced onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, green chilies, bell peppers, and shredded carrots, plus stock or water to your preferred consistency.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground meat | 1 lb |
| Onions | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Green chilies | 1 small can |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup, diced |
Picadillo variations lean on Traditional ingredients like peppers, tomatoes, and seasoned meat, but you can tailor spices to taste. You’ll notice how each element supports the next, guiding you toward a bright, comforting foundation. This approach honors freedom by honoring simple, honest components you can customize as you cook.
Preparations
Now that you’ve lined up the base, you’ll start building flavor with proper prep. Begin with meat selection, choosing lean, evenly chopped ground beef or pork for balanced texture. Dry rub lightly with salt and a pinch of pepper to awaken natural juices, then rest briefly so seasonings meld. Rinse vegetables for chipper color, and pat dry to prevent soggy browns. Chop onions and garlic fine for quick aroma release, and dice peppers into uniform spears for even cooking. Sauté meat first, creating fond, then deglaze with a splash of stock to lift browned bits. Add veggies in stages, letting each soften without collapse. Flavor enhancement arises from deliberate timing, gentle simmering, and mindful stirring. Your soup will taste confident, bright, and liberating.
Kitchen tools or Kitchenware Required
Think of your mise en place as the backbone of a smooth simmer: you’ll want a sturdy kitchen setup with the right tools within easy reach—a heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven for even heat, a sharp chef’s knife for clean chops, a cutting board, a wooden spoon for gentle stirring, and a slotted spoon to lift items without draining too much liquid.
Table:
| Kitchen gadgets | Cooking utensils |
|---|---|
| Immersion blender | Tongs |
| Microplane | ladle |
| Vegetable peeler | Measuring cups |
| Meat thermometer | Skimmer |
You value freedom in the kitchen, so choose reliable essentials that feel like extensions of your hands. With these tools, you’ll navigate seasonings and texture confidently, keeping prep streamlined and results delicious.
How to Cook
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Brown ground meat until aromatic and slightly colored.
- Add diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes, olives, and a splash of vinegar.
- Season with cumin, oregano, and a pinch of chili powder.
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add potatoes or rice if desired for a heartier soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and lime juice.
- Maintain steady heat, avoiding a vigorous boil.
- Monitor the texture and cook until ingredients are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy your bold, satisfying Picadillo Soup.
How to Serve
Serve this bold picadillo soup hot in sturdy bowls, garnishing with a squeeze of lime and a little fresh cilantro for bright contrast. You’ll want to present each bowl with confidence, inviting conversations as steam lifts and aromas mingle. For a clean, satisfying finish, offer crusty bread or warm tortillas on the side, so you can mop up every flavorful swirl. Garnishing options include sliced avocado, a dollop of crema, or a scattering of chopped scallions to add brightness and texture. Keep the broth rich yet accessible, so your guests can savor meat, vegetables, and spices without hesitation. Serving suggestions: present the soup family-style or plated, then watch lively forks and spoons do the talking.
Tips
To get the most flavor from picadillo soup, start with quality ingredients: ground meat that’s properly browned, and aromatics that bloom in hot oil before you add the tomatoes and broth. You’ll fine-tune with steady simmering, careful seasoning, and mindful tasting as you go.
1) Use browning as your base: the fond on the pan deepens flavor and reveals cooking techniques that push aroma into every spoonful.
2) Layer flavor confidently: add herbs, peppers, and a touch of acidity at the right moment for flavor enhancements that wake the palate.
3) Finish with balance: taste for salt, heat, and brightness off the heat to maintain freedom in your dish, not chaos.
Food Value and Benefit
Picadillo soup is a nutritious and comforting dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. This recipe combines lean meat, vegetables, beans, and healthy fats to create a balanced meal rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Picadillo soup blends lean meat, vegetables, and beans into a nourishing, balanced dish.
Food Value of Picadillo Soup:
- Protein: Lean meat provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamin C: Found in tomatoes and peppers, it boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
- Beta-carotene: Present in peppers, it supports vision and immune function.
- Fiber: Beans contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and providing sustained energy.
- Resistant Starch: Potatoes offer resistant starch, which helps with fullness and gut health.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil adds monounsaturated fats that enhance nutrient absorption.
- Minerals: Includes iron from meat for oxygen transport, potassium from potatoes for blood pressure regulation, and magnesium from beans for muscle and nerve function.
Benefits of Eating Picadillo Soup:
- Supports muscle repair and maintenance due to its high protein content.
- Enhances immune defense with vitamins C and beta-carotene.
- Promotes digestive health and steady energy levels through fiber intake.
- Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health with potassium and healthy fats.
- Contributes to skin health and vision support thanks to antioxidants.
- Encourages metabolic balance and sustained fullness, aiding in weight management.
- Provides a nutrient-dense, satisfying meal that supports mood stability and overall well-being when consumed regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Picadillo Soup for Later Meals?
Yes, you can freeze picadillo soup for later meals. Use proper freezing techniques, cool quickly, and store in portions. For meal prep, label dates, thaw safely, reheat gently, and savor the flavors after freezing techniques work for you.
What’s a Good Vegan Substitute for Ground Meat?
A good vegan substitute for ground meat is plant based proteins like crumbled tempeh or textured soy. Try lentil alternatives blended with spices; season boldly, then simmer. You’ll taste freedom in flavor, texture, and vibrant plant based proteins.
How Spicy Is This Soup and Can I Adjust It?
It depends on your taste; you can adjust heat by adding or reducing peppers and hot sauce. You’ll notice spice levels shift as you stir, so taste frequently and tailor it, embracing freedom to spice it up or cool it down.
Can I Use Leftover Rice or Potatoes in It?
Yes, you can. Use leftover ingredients like rice or potatoes, but cut them small so they reheat evenly and don’t mush. As for rice alternatives, try quinoa or cauliflower rice for texture, flavor, and flexible, freedom-loving cooking.
Is There a Traditional Regional Variation of This Recipe?
Ever wondered if a traditional regional variation exists? Yes—Cuban picadillo and Mexican picadillo each showcase distinct spice vibes, from olives and capers to chiles. You’ll savor how regional twists color your homemade dish with freedom.
