Pique Criollo with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 ripe plantains, sliced 2 ripe plantains, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, juiced 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the beef, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   In a separate skillet, heat some oil and add the sliced plantains. Cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
5. 5.
   In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to make the avocado salsa.
6. 6.
   Serve the cooked beef on a plate, topped with caramelized plantains and avocado salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Make sure the plantains are ripe but still firm for the best caramelization results.
• Avocado — Choose a ripe avocado that is slightly soft to the touch for the perfect texture in the salsa.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeno or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef marinade.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices used in the marinade.
• Serve the Pique Criollo with warm corn tortillas for a traditional Colombian touch.
• Experiment with different toppings such as crumbled queso fresco or pickled onions for added flavor.
• Leftovers can be used to make delicious tacos or quesadillas the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Pique Criollo with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the caramelized plantains on top of the cooked beef, and drizzle the avocado salsa over the dish for an attractive presentation. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top for a pop of color.