Homemade picadillo with Flour tortillas

An Engaging Introduction

Imagine a dish that brings the warmth and flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen, effortlessly. This homemade picadillo, paired with fresh flour tortillas, does just that. Simmered with fragrant onions, juicy tomatoes, and a medley of spices, this Mexican-style ground beef and potato dish is a quick and satisfying meal you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this beloved classic and bring a taste of Latin cuisine to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This picadillo recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. It’s versatile, allowing for variations and personal touches, and it’s perfect for batch cooking—make extra to freeze for future meals. Whether you’re familiar with Mexican cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this dish will surely become a staple in your home.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling
• Blender
• Griddle or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Ziplock bag

Ingredients

For The Picadillo

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 5 Roma tomatoes
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 jalapeños (optional)
• 1 Serrano pepper (optional)
• Handful of cilantro
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

For The Flour Tortillas

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 cup warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions

For The Picadillo

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. While the meat is browning, boil the Roma tomatoes, halved onion, and jalapeños in a pot of water until soft.
3. In a blender, combine the boiled vegetables, cilantro, and blend until smooth.
4. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the browned beef, then pour in the blended tomato salsa and chicken stock.
5. Stir in the cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.

For The Flour Tortillas

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the vegetable shortening and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Let the dough rest inside a Ziplock bag for at least 1 hour.
5. After resting, divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball out into a thin circle.
6. Cook each tortilla on a hot griddle, flipping once bubbles form on the surface. Cook until both sides are lightly browned.

Tips for Success

• For a spicier picadillo, include the optional jalapeños and Serrano pepper.
• Ensure the tortillas dough rests properly to achieve the perfect texture.
• Adjust the consistency of the picadillo sauce by adding more or less chicken stock, as desired.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like bell peppers or peas in the picadillo. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For the tortillas, try substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This meal is rich in protein from the ground beef and provides essential vitamins from the fresh vegetables used in the picadillo. The homemade tortillas offer a satisfying source of carbohydrates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the picadillo in advance?

A: Absolutely! Picadillo stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I keep the tortillas warm?

A: Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or place them in a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and warm.

Q: What can I serve with picadillo?

A: Picadillo is great with rice, beans, or a fresh salad on the side.

Conclusion

This homemade picadillo with flour tortillas is a delightful and versatile dish that captures the heart of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, it’s bound to impress. Give this recipe a try and don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking. We’d love to hear about your culinary adventures, so please share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with. Enjoy!