Vegan Picadillo (2 Ways)
Growing up, picadillo was a NECESSITY for weekday dinners. Quick, filling, and versatile- my mother basically shoved this into any carb she had available.
Picadillo is known to be of Puert Rican descent, although a variety of diffeerent cultures in the Caribbean share a similar appreciate for this flavored “meaty” accompaniment.
This version of picadillo proves that meat based dishes can be plant-based with intention in mind. In 2021, vegan “beef” is more affordable and accessible than ever before- giving the public a chance to never miss out on a stuffeed potato ball or latin american dish ever again. Although, plant-based diets are STILL very inacesssible to millions, oftentimes communities of color that may not have access to fresh and alternative options for produce. Using green lentils, that have an inherently “meaty” texture is a great option that will carry the flavor and your dish to the finish line.
Now grab some sofrito, your favorite skillet, and enjoy!
Vegan Picadillo
Yield: 4-6 servings of “meat”
Time: 20-30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
16 ounces vegan ground beef or cooked green/brown lentils, (I prefer to use the “Beefless Beef” from Trader Joe’s)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, diced
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tablespoons sofrito
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
To make the “beefless” picadillo:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the bell pepper and carrot, saute until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
Once softened, add the sofrito, tomato paste, cumin, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. You may need to add water to get the ingredients moving in the pan (if so, add 2 tablespoons at a time).
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes until fragrant. Adjust any seasonings per your taste.
Serve with rice, in tacos, nestled within Rellenos de papa
Dive in!
