Soup > Latin American > Cuban

Picadillo Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, raisins, olives, cumin, and oregano. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Red bell pepper can be used instead of green bell pepper.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Green olives can be substituted with black olives.

Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the ground beef well to develop flavor.
- Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and prevent it from clumping together.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more or less salt and pepper.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream

Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Tortilla chips

Suggested side dishes:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish made with ground meat, tomatoes, and spices. It is often served with rice or used as a filling for empanadas.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly sweet, and tangy from the combination of tomatoes, olives, and raisins.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic