Homemade Picadillo

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once the meat is browned, add the diced bell pepper and tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the meat mixture.
5. Add the raisins, sliced olives, capers, ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
6. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, tomato sauce, and white vinegar. Add the bay leaves to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the picadillo simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. After 20-25 minutes, remove the bay leaves from the picadillo. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.
9. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the picadillo before serving for added freshness and color.
10. Serve the picadillo hot over rice, with warm tortillas, or use it as a filling for empanadas, tacos, or stuffed peppers.
11. Enjoy your homemade picadillo with your favorite accompaniments and savor the comforting flavors of this classic Latin American dish.

Conclusion: This homemade picadillo recipe captures the essence of Latin comfort food with its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main dish or used as a versatile filling, picadillo is sure to satisfy your cravings and transport you to culinary bliss. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to tailor this recipe to your taste preferences, and embrace the warmth and nostalgia that comes with every bite of this beloved dish.