Spanish Picada with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 250ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth 250ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef or pork and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same skillet, add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the paprika, cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. 4.
   Return the meat to the skillet and add the diced tomatoes and broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or pork — For the best results, choose a tender cut of meat such as sirloin or tenderloin. Marinate the meat for at least 1 hour before cooking to enhance the flavors and tenderness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dish.
• Serve the Picada with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots for added variety.
• Make a double batch of the Picada and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist on the classic Picada.

Serving advice

Serve the Picada hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to fully enjoy the flavors and soak up the savory sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the Picada on a large serving platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Drizzle some of the sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness.