Picadillo de Papaya with a Twist

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