Description

Cuban picadillo is a beloved, hearty dish traditionally made with ground beef, but this Vegan Cuban Picadillo takes a plant-based approach, using green lentils as the main protein source. The addition of raisins, capers, olives, and potatoes creates a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. This recipe offers a truly memorable dish that’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, or when you’re looking for a comforting meal. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

2 medium shallots, diced

1 medium red or green bell pepper, diced

1 tbsp tomato paste

4 garlic cloves, minced

½ tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp salt

2 bay leaves

250 ml (1 cup) low-sodium vegetable stock

1 can (400 g) green lentils, drained and rinsed

250 g (1 cup) chopped tomatoes

250 g (½ lb) potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes

50 g (⅓ cup) raisins

50 g (⅓ cup) capers

100 g (½ cup) pimento-stuffed olives

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
Add Tomato Paste & Garlic:
Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Add Spices & Vegetable Stock:
Stir in the dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and bay leaves. Add the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
Simmer the Lentils & Potatoes:
Add the green lentils, chopped tomatoes, and cubed potatoes to the pan. Stir everything together and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir in Raisins, Capers, and Olives:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the raisins, capers, and pimento-stuffed olives. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve:
Serve the picadillo over rice, with crusty bread, or enjoy it as a stew on its own. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro (coriander) for an added fresh touch.

Notes

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or peas for more texture and nutrition.
Sweetness: Adjust the amount of raisins to your taste for a sweeter or less sweet dish.
Rice Variations: For a different twist, try serving this dish over quinoa or couscous for a unique texture.
Protein Boost: You can add chickpeas or tofu to increase the protein content.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American