Picadillo Con Calabasitas

How to make Picadillo Con Calabasitas

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork, i like pre-seasoned sausage like tennessee pride or jimmy dean because they have spices already in them.

1 md onion diced

1/2 lg green bell pepper diced

1 can diced tomatos in their juice

3 clove garlic mashed or put through a garlic press

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp ground cumin

2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

2 c sliced zucchini

1 sm envelope goya sazon with culantro

1 tsp salt

Instructions:

Brown pork meat or sausage in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the onions garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini and saute for 2 minutes.

Next add 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer everything for two more minutes.

Next add the can diced tomatoes, and seasoning spices, oregano, cumin, cilantro, black pepper, Goya seasoning packet and salt. Stir well, cover and continue to cook until the zucchini is tender.

Serve with Mexican rice, pinto beans, tortillas, and salsa.

Enjoy !!!

Optional:

You may add half seeded diced jalapeno if you like your picadillo with heat.

I prefer to add hot salsa over mine this way I can serve the little ones picadillo with their rice. Mexican Picadillo is also made with ground beef and diced potatos and is a little more soupy then the Cuban Picadillo.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of ground pork?

Yes, you can use ground beef or ground turkey as a substitute for ground pork in this recipe. It will still result in a flavorful dish.

What is Goya sazon with culantro, and can I replace it with something else?

Goya sazon with culantro is a seasoning blend commonly used in Latin American cuisine. It adds a distinct flavor to the dish.

If you can’t find it, you can try using a combination of ground coriander, cumin, and achiote powder for a similar taste.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the ground black pepper or use less spicy sausage.

For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Picadillo Con Calabasitas by using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of pork and water.

For a vegan version, ensure that all the ingredients, including the sausage substitute, are plant-based.

How long does it take to cook the zucchini until tender?

The cooking time for the zucchini may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the heat level.

On average, it may take around 5 to 7 minutes to cook the zucchini until tender after adding the diced tomatoes and seasoning spices.

Can I use a different meat or protein in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of ground meat or protein in place of ground pork. Ground beef, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used to customize the dish according to your preferences.

Can I make this dish in advance and reheat it later?

Absolutely! Picadillo Con Calabasitas is a great make-ahead dish.

You can prepare it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then reheat it in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Is it necessary to mash the garlic for this recipe, or can I use minced garlic?

Mashing the garlic releases more flavor, but you can use minced garlic if that’s more convenient.

The key is to ensure that the garlic is well distributed throughout the dish for even flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can get creative with this dish by adding other vegetables to suit your taste.

For example, diced carrots, corn kernels, or diced tomatoes can be excellent additions that complement the flavors of the recipe.