Picadillo

Picadillo is a traditional Cuban meal that I grew up on. It's easily my favorite meal of all time and packed with protein, vegetables, healthy fats and carbs to keep you fueled. Thanks to herbs & spices it is also delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tablespoon EVOO

• 1 Medium Yellow Onion

• 1 Bell Pepper

• 3 Cloves Garlic

• 2 lb Ground Beef (85-95%)

• 1 Quart/4 Cups Tomato Puree/Sauce

• 1 Tablespoon Cumin

• 1 Tablespoon Oregano

• 1 Bay Leaf

• ½ Cup Spanish Olives w/ Pimento

• ¼ Cup Olive Brine

• Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a skillet to medium and coat the bottom of a skillet with EVOO

2. Dice the Onion & Pepper, smash & chop the Garlic

3. Throw the Onion, Pepper, Garlic (aka Sofrito) into the hot pot and it's a couple minutes until translucent & fragrant

4. Turn the heat up to medium high and out in your Ground Beef

5. Smash & chop the Ground Beef until browned but still a little pink inside

6. Add the Tomato Sauce, Cumin, Oregano, Bay Leaf, and Olive Brine

7. Mix together until bubbling then turn heat down to medium low & let simmer for like 20 minutes until sauce is thickened

8. Chop the Spanish Olives & stir them into the saucey Ground Beef

9. There you have Picadillo. Serve over rice if you wish. Like most tomato-based dishes this tastes better the next day.

   **Fridge for 3 days, freezer for 3 months