Crafting Comfort: The Perfect Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas
Step into the world of comforting and flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine with our homemade picadillo paired with soft and fluffy flour tortillas. Picadillo, a traditional dish in many Latin American countries, features ground beef cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. When served with warm flour tortillas, it becomes the ultimate comfort food that is sure to please the whole family. Join us as we dive into the art of creating this classic dish from scratch, along with a foolproof recipe for homemade flour tortillas.
Ingredients:
For The Picadillo:
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 5 Roma tomatoes
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 jalapeños (optional)
- 1 Serrano pepper (optional)
- Handful of cilantro
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Flour Tortillas:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
For The Picadillo:
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the tomatoes, chop the small onion, mince the garlic cloves, and finely chop the jalapeños, Serrano pepper (if using), and cilantro.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Add the halved onion, chopped onion, minced garlic, jalapeños, Serrano pepper (if using), and cilantro to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Season: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.
For The Flour Tortillas:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Cut in Shortening: Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the vegetable shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the warm water to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles using a rolling pin.
- Cook Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the rolled-out tortillas for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or diced tofu for a vegetarian version of picadillo.
- Add More Heat: For extra spiciness, increase the amount of jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the picadillo.
- Customize with Veggies: Incorporate diced potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers into the picadillo for added texture and flavor.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the all-purpose flour in the tortillas with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a lower carb option.
- Use a sugar-free chicken stock or beef broth in the picadillo to reduce the carb content.
- Serve the picadillo over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas for a keto-friendly option.
Low Carb Version:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour in the tortillas with a low-carb baking mix or almond flour.
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey in place of regular ground beef to reduce the fat content in the picadillo.
- Opt for low-carb vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms in the picadillo instead of higher carb options.
In conclusion, homemade picadillo with flour tortillas is a comforting and delicious meal that brings together the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. With its savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and tender vegetables, picadillo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Paired with warm and pillowy flour tortillas, it creates a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the rich flavors of homemade picadillo and flour tortillas in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make the picadillo ahead of time and freeze it? A: Yes, picadillo freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought tortillas instead of making them from scratch? A: Absolutely! While homemade tortillas are delicious, you can certainly use store-bought flour tortillas if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience.
Q: Is picadillo spicy? A: The level of spiciness in picadillo can be adjusted to your taste preferences by adding more or less jalapeños or omitting the Serrano pepper altogether. Feel free to customize it to suit your desired level of heat.
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef in the picadillo? A: Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef in the picadillo. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as poultry tends to cook faster than beef.
