Filipino Picadillo is a traditional Filipino dish that combines ground meat (usually beef or pork) with potatoes, raisins, and a savory yet slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that is often served with steamed white rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The addition of raisins gives it a unique sweetness that balances the savory flavors, making it a beloved dish in Filipino homes. Perfect for family gatherings, this dish is easy to make and full of delicious flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.

2. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté until softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the diced potatoes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

4. Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Stir well to combine, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

5. Add the raisins, green peas, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the flavors are well combined and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

7. Serve hot with steamed rice, and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 700mg

The Origins of Filipino Picadillo

The history of Filipino Picadillo can be traced back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, which lasted for over 300 years. During this time, the Spanish influence on Filipino cuisine became deeply embedded, with many Spanish dishes being adapted to suit local tastes and available ingredients. Picadillo, a Spanish word meaning “minced” or “chopped,” refers to a dish made from ground or minced meat, typically cooked with vegetables, spices, and sometimes fruits or raisins.

While the Spanish version of Picadillo often includes ingredients like olives and capers, the Filipino version of the dish has evolved to incorporate a more tropical profile, using ingredients such as potatoes, green peas, and sweet raisins. The combination of savory ground meat with sweet and tangy elements has made Filipino Picadillo a unique creation that reflects the fusion of various culinary influences, including Spanish, Chinese, and native Filipino flavors.

Today, Filipino Picadillo remains a popular dish across the Philippines and is often served at family meals, fiestas, and other gatherings. The dish is highly versatile and can be easily customized based on personal preferences or regional variations. Whether made with beef, pork, or chicken, Filipino Picadillo is a delicious representation of the diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines.

The Key Ingredients in Filipino Picadillo

The beauty of Filipino Picadillo lies in its simplicity, with a few key ingredients coming together to create a rich and flavorful dish. While there are many variations of this dish, some ingredients remain constant across most recipes.

Ground meat serves as the base for Filipino Picadillo. Ground beef is the most commonly used protein, but ground pork or a combination of both meats are also popular choices. The meat is typically cooked until browned, providing a savory foundation for the dish. In some variations, chicken may be used as a leaner alternative to beef or pork.

The inclusion of vegetables is another hallmark of Filipino Picadillo. Potatoes are a primary ingredient, providing a starchy texture that complements the savory flavors of the meat. The potatoes are usually diced into small cubes and simmered in the sauce until tender. Green peas are also a common addition, adding color, texture, and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Some recipes may also include bell peppers, carrots, or other vegetables, depending on regional preferences or availability.

Raisins are one of the signature ingredients in Filipino Picadillo, giving the dish a slight sweetness that balances out the savory and tangy elements of the tomato-based sauce. The raisins add a unique depth of flavor that distinguishes Filipino Picadillo from other similar dishes, such as the Spanish version of Picadillo. The contrast of sweet raisins with savory meat and vegetables creates a delightful interplay of flavors that makes the dish so beloved.

The sauce is a key component of Filipino Picadillo, usually made from tomatoes, soy sauce, and fish sauce. The tomato sauce forms the base of the dish, providing a rich and tangy backdrop for the other ingredients. Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor, while fish sauce imparts a distinctive savory taste that is commonly used in Filipino cooking. These ingredients are combined with garlic, onions, and sometimes bell peppers to create a flavorful sauce that ties the whole dish together.

The Flavor Profile of Filipino Picadillo

Filipino Picadillo is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The combination of ground meat, vegetables, and raisins gives the dish a wonderful depth of flavor, with each bite offering something different. The savory meat is complemented by the subtle sweetness of the raisins, while the tangy tomato sauce adds a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.

The use of soy sauce and fish sauce gives the dish a salty, umami flavor that is characteristic of Filipino cuisine. These ingredients are essential for adding a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the Picadillo. Garlic and onions provide an aromatic base, while bell peppers add a slight sweetness and crunch, contributing to the overall texture and flavor.

One of the most distinctive features of Filipino Picadillo is its balance of sweet and savory. The raisins bring a natural sweetness to the dish, which contrasts beautifully with the salty and tangy sauce. This combination of flavors is what makes Filipino Picadillo such a unique and comforting dish.

How to Make Filipino Picadillo at Home

Making Filipino Picadillo at home is relatively easy and requires only a few basic ingredients. The key to a great Picadillo is in the cooking technique, which involves browning the meat, sautéing the vegetables, and simmering everything in a flavorful sauce. It’s important to allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the dish for a period of time, allowing the raisins to soften and the vegetables to become tender.

Filipino Picadillo is also highly customizable. While the basic recipe calls for ground beef or pork, you can easily swap in other proteins like ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version. You can also adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or fewer raisins, depending on your taste preferences.

For a richer flavor, some recipes call for the addition of fish sauce, while others may use a combination of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. The level of seasoning can also be adjusted to suit your tastes, whether you prefer a saltier or spicier dish.

Once the Picadillo is cooked, it can be served with steamed white rice or paired with other side dishes such as a green salad or sautéed vegetables. The dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for special occasions and gatherings.

Health Benefits of Filipino Picadillo

Filipino Picadillo offers several health benefits, thanks to its nutrient-rich ingredients. Ground meat, such as beef or pork, is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides important vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production and immune function. The vegetables in Picadillo, such as potatoes, green peas, and bell peppers, add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish. Potatoes provide a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, while green peas are rich in fiber and vitamin C, which support digestive and immune health.

Conclusion

Filipino Picadillo is a flavorful and versatile dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. With its combination of ground meat, vegetables, and a tangy-sweet tomato-based sauce, it offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.