Picadillo overload

Also called minced or ground meat, this dish can use any minced meat, but typically pork giniling (ground pork) is used.

Picadillo is an easy recipe and the base version uses potato and carrots, or sometimes just potatoes. This is a crowd favorite of kids, especially with the addition of hotdogs. However, it is up to you to add whatever you fancy and make it a big meal for the family to enjoy.

This is my version of Picadillo overload.

Try this easy picadillo recipe for the family’s next weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

500g ground pork

Garlic and onion, minced

Two potatoes, medium size, diced

1 carrot, medium size, diced

Box of quail eggs, boiled and shell peeled

Three pieces hotdogs, sliced diagonally

2 teaspoons tomato paste

Salt and pepper to taste

Thyme

Oregano

Vegetable oil

Leeks for garnishing

Procedure:

1. Cook the hotdogs separately to ensure that the dish will not be stained red. Set aside.

2. In a pan, heat oil. Sauté garlic and onion, about 3 minutes.

3. Add ground pork and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes. Lower heat.

4. Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes.

5. Add tomato paste and season to taste.

6. Add the rest of the ingredients (hotdogs and quail eggs) and cook for 15 minutes or so

7. Garnish with leeks

Yield: Serves 3 to 4

Notes:

– You can add whatever you like in this dish – olives, green peas, mushrooms, sausages, etc. Check what you have in your fridge and pantry.

– To veganize, use soy meat such as TVP to have the minced meat texture. You may add mushrooms as well and omit the eggs.

– You may also add tomato sauce if you prefer the dish to be on the saucy/gravy type, similar to spaghetti sauce.

Happy cooking!

The author may be reached at kaycalpolugtu@gmail.com or follow her at Instagram @kaycalpolugtu and @aplateofbahaykubo.