Cuban-style Chili Cheese Fries

Ingredients

In this Cuban adaptation of Chili Cheese Fries, the traditional American chili is replaced with picadillo, a popular Cuban dish made with ground beef and a variety of aromatic spices. The addition of Cuban spices and the use of raisins in the picadillo give the dish a distinct Cuban flavor profile. Additionally, the dish incorporates elements of Cuban cuisine such as bell peppers and garlic, which are not typically found in the original American version. We alse have the original recipe for Chili Cheese Fries, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) frozen French fries 500g (1.1 lb) frozen French fries
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 cup tomato sauce 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g (7 oz) shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) 200g (7 oz) shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 14g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the frozen French fries according to the package instructions until crispy.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and ground cinnamon. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the raisins and tomato sauce to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the picadillo mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Once the fries are crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Spread the picadillo mixture evenly over the fries.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the picadillo.
8. 8.
   Place the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Raisins — If you're not a fan of raisins, you can omit them from the recipe. However, they add a touch of sweetness and depth to the picadillo, so consider giving them a try.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes over the finished dish.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of paprika and ground cumin in the picadillo.
• Serve the Cuban-style Chili Cheese Fries with a side of tangy Cuban mojo sauce for dipping.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso blanco or gouda, to add your own twist to the dish.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after melting the cheese.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-style Chili Cheese Fries hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is perfect as a main course for a casual weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Cuban-style Chili Cheese Fries in individual cast iron skillets or oven-safe dishes. The layers of crispy fries, flavorful picadillo, and melted cheese will create an inviting and appetizing sight. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an added touch of elegance.