Picadillo And Conchitas

Picadillo Recipe

Ingredients:

1-2 lbs.ground meat of choice

1tsp.EACH of salt, pepper, cumin, sazon, adobo–add more if necessary to your liking.

1/2 onion diced

2 roma tomatoes

1 serrano diced(optional)

1 jalapeño diced(optional)

1-2 cups water

Instructions:

Cook ground meat thoroughly.

Remove excess grease

Add in diced veggies and seasonings. Mix well.

Add in water and let simmer for 30 mins or until veggies are tender.

You can also add in potatoes if you like as well and add more seasonings if needed😊

Enjoy!!

Notes:

Choice of Ground Meat: The recipe allows flexibility in choosing ground meat, such as beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the type of meat used.

Seasoning: The seasoning blend includes salt, pepper, cumin, sazon, and adobo. These spices add depth and flavor to the dish. Adjust the quantities based on personal preference for saltiness and spiciness.

Vegetables: Diced onions, roma tomatoes, serrano, and jalapeño peppers are added to enhance flavor and texture. Adjust the amount of serrano and jalapeño based on desired spiciness level.

Simmering: Simmering the picadillo allows flavors to meld together and vegetables to soften. Be sure to check the level of water periodically and add more if needed to maintain a saucy consistency.

Optional Ingredients: Potatoes can be added for additional texture and heartiness. Ensure they are diced small enough to cook through within the simmering time.

Adjusting Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking. More salt, pepper, or spices can be added to suit personal taste preferences.

Serve: Picadillo is traditionally served over rice, but it can also be enjoyed with tortillas, as a taco or burrito filling, or even over pasta for a fusion twist.

Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas, or by incorporating your favorite herbs and spices.

Enjoy: Picadillo is a versatile dish that’s hearty and comforting, perfect for family meals. Adjust ingredients and seasonings to make it your own signature dish!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

You can use any type of ground beef depending on your preference.

Lean ground beef will result in a less greasy dish, while a higher fat content will add more flavor.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of extra virgin olive oil (evoo)?

Yes, you can use any neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil.

Keep in mind, each oil has a different smoke point and flavor profile which can slightly affect the final dish.

Is it necessary to use Serrano Chile’s? What if I don’t want it to be spicy?

The Serrano chiles add some heat to the picadillo.

If you prefer it less spicy, you can reduce the amount, remove the seeds, or substitute with a milder pepper like a jalapeno or bell pepper.

Can I make this in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and it will reheat well.

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

How can I ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked through?

To ensure the potatoes are fully cooked, cut them into smaller cubes.

Test for doneness by piercing a piece with a fork.

If it easily goes in without resistance, the potatoes are done.

Can I use any other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats like chicken, turkey, or pork.

Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

What can I do if I don’t have all the spices listed in the recipe?

The spices give the Picadillo its signature flavor. If you’re missing some, you can still make the recipe, but the flavor may differ.

Try to at least have cumin, chili powder, and garlic for a good flavor base.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian ground meat substitute, or use lentils or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini.

Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conchitas Recipe

Ingredients:

1-2 packages of conchitas(any variety)

2 cups water

1 tbsp. veggie oil

1 tbsp. chicken bouillon

1 diced tomato(optional)

1/2 diced onion(optional)

2 tbsp. tomato sauce

salt to taste

Instructions:

Brown conchitas in oil

Add any veggies and cook for about 5 mins

Add water, chicken bouillon, tomato sauce and salt to taste

Let simmer on low heat

Add more water as needed until desired tenderness is achieved

Enjoy!!

Notes:

Conchitas Variety: Conchitas are small pasta shells, typically used in soups or stews. They come in various shapes and sizes, and you can choose any variety you prefer for this recipe.

Cooking Process: Browning the conchitas in oil adds a depth of flavor and helps prevent them from becoming mushy during cooking. This step also enhances the overall texture of the dish.

Vegetables: Adding diced tomato and onion is optional but recommended for additional flavor and texture. These vegetables complement the dish well and provide freshness.

Seasonings: Tomato sauce, chicken bouillon, and salt are used to season the dish. Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences and the saltiness of the chicken bouillon used.

Simmering: Simmering the conchitas in water with the seasonings allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the pasta cooks thoroughly. Adjust the amount of water based on how tender you want the conchitas to be.

Customization: This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on personal preferences. You can add other vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp to make it heartier.

Serve: Conchitas are typically served hot as a main dish or as a side dish. They pair well with a variety of meats, salads, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the pasta.

Enjoyment: This dish is simple yet comforting, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for feeding a crowd. The flavors develop nicely as it sits, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or additional vegetables to suit your taste preferences and create a unique version of conchitas each time you prepare it.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Absolutely! The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted according to your personal preference for spiciness.

You can increase or decrease the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of shells?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you don’t have shells available. Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as macaroni, penne, or rotini.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the specific pasta you choose.

Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to enhance the dish?

Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding additional vegetables such as corn, diced tomatoes, or black beans.

You can also garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or sprinkle grated cheese on top before serving.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add additional spicy ingredients like chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.

Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe in advance or freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can make Conchitas in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

It also freezes well, so you can portion out leftovers and freeze them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I customize the vegetables in this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences.

You can add or substitute other vegetables such as corn, diced tomatoes, carrots, or zucchini to add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.

What can I serve with Conchitas?

Conchitas can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by various sides. Traditional options include Mexican rice, refried beans, tortillas, or a side salad.

You can also garnish it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for added flavor.