Green Chile Picadillo

Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish, and this version, made with green chile, combines savory ground beef, potatoes, and a kick of fresh green chile to create a comforting, flavorful meal. Often served with rice, tortillas, or over a bed of greens, green chile picadillo is a versatile dish that balances spicy, sweet, and earthy flavors. It’s an ideal dish for a weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, for extra flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4-6 green chile peppers, roasted, peeled, and chopped (you can use Hatch green chiles or other varieties)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup olives, chopped (green or black)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for a sweet contrast)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water (for a slightly saucier version)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook until they are golden brown and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Spices and Green Chile: Stir in the cumin, oregano, cinnamon (if using), and chopped roasted green chile peppers. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, olives, raisins (if using), and cooked potatoes. Stir everything together to combine.
6. Simmer: Pour in the beef broth or water, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors meld together and the potatoes are tender.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional cumin if needed.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with rice, tortillas, or a side of avocado for added richness.

Tips:

• For added richness, you can also stir in a bit of tomato paste or a spoonful of sour cream at the end.
• Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer green chiles.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.

Enjoy your Green Chile Picadillo! It’s a warm, flavorful dish that brings together the earthy depth of the green chile and the comforting heartiness of the beef and potatoes.