Recipe

Picadillo de Papaya with a Twist

Tropical Delight: Papaya Picadillo with a Mexican Twist

4.1 out of 5

This recipe puts a unique spin on the traditional Mexican dish, Picadillo de Papaya. Bursting with tropical flavors, this dish combines the sweetness of ripe papaya with savory spices and ingredients, creating a delightful fusion of Mexican and tropical cuisine.

Vegetable Dish› Picadillo de papaya

Cuisine of the Americas› North American cuisine› Mexican cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Total time

50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo, Low-carb, Nut-free

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto, High-carb, Soy-free

Ingredients

2 cups (340g) ripe papaya, diced 2 cups (340g) ripe papaya, diced
1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
1 teaspoon (5g) cumin powder 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin powder
1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 10g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2.
Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
4.
Stir in the bell peppers and tomatoes, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5.
Add the diced papaya, cumin powder, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
8.
Serve hot with rice or tortillas.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Papaya — Choose ripe papayas with a vibrant orange color and a slightly soft texture. Avoid green or overly ripe papayas, as they may not provide the desired sweetness and texture.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper to the dish.
Serve the Picadillo de Papaya with warm tortillas for a traditional Mexican experience.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.

Serving advice

Serve the Picadillo de Papaya as a main dish accompanied by rice or tortillas. It can also be served as a filling for tacos or empanadas.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for an appealing presentation. Serve it in a colorful bowl or on a vibrant plate to highlight the tropical nature of the dish.