Vegan Picadillo

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of vegan picadillo! This plant-based twist on a classic dish will tantalize your taste buds with a medley of spices, hearty vegetables, and savory meat alternatives. Get ready for a burst of flavor and a guilt-free dining experience. Check out our delicious vegan picadillo recipe now!

Today, I want to share with you a delightful recipe, full of vibrant flavors: picadillo. Picadillo is a traditional dish with diverse origins, which has captivated the hearts and taste buds of many cultures, and for a good reason!

What is picadillo?

The origin of this delicacy can be found in Spain, from where it spread throughout the world, adapting to the tastes and ingredients specific to each region. Picadillo is a tasty mix of vegetables, spices and usually minced meat, but in the version I will share with you today, we will explore the vegan variant of this wonderful dish.

The history of picadillo can be discovered in every bite. Each region or culture has its own distinct version of picadillo, with specific flavors and ingredients. From the spicy Mexican picadillo, to the Cuban one with tropical accents or the Filipino giniling with Asian influences, each version offers a culinary story.

How to make vegan picadillo

Vegan picadillo is an alternative to the authentic picdillo recipe, by replacing minced meat with ingredients of vegetable origin. In this recipe, I will use vegan soy mince to recreate the comforting texture and taste of traditional picadillo. The secret lies in the appropriate seasoning, which will bring that explosion of flavors specific to this dish.

Once you have prepared this wonderful vegan picadillo recipe, the serving possibilities are limitless. You can enjoy the picadillo next to a generous portion of rice or with fresh tortillas. You can also try serving it as a filling for stuffed peppers or alongside crispy nacho chips. You can even combine it with baked potatoes or turn it into a delicious topping for tacos.

Ingredients

1. Olive oil: This ingredient adds a silky texture and a delicate aroma to the dish. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which makes it an excellent option for healthy cooking.
2. Onion: Onion is an essential ingredient that adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
3. Yellow pepper: Yellow pepper adds a beautiful color and a subtle sweetness to the picadillo. Of course, you can use any other type of pepper you want.
4. Beyond Meat: Beyond Meat is a vegetable alternative to minced meat. It is made from plants and offers a texture and taste similar to meat. It is an excellent option to get vegetable proteins in the vegan picadillo. I also use Verdino.
5. Potatoes: Potatoes add consistency and substance to the picadillo. They are a rich source of carbohydrates.
6. Garlic: Garlic adds a strong and distinct flavor to the picadillo. If you do not tolerate cloves of garlic, you can use the green part only or garlic powder.
7. Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce adds a savory base and a touch of acidity to the dish.
8. Vegetable soup/stock: Vegetable soup is used to add moisture and depth of flavor to the picadillo. It offers a rich taste and is an excellent alternative to meat soup in vegan recipes. You can replace it with water if you haven’t already prepared it.
9. Spices: Cumin, coriander and bay leaves complement each other perfectly in this recipe, adding a subtle fragrance and a distinct note to the picadillo.

Tips for the best vegan picadillo

• Experiment with textures and consistencies: If you want a texture more similar to that of meat, you can use vegetable alternatives such as tofu, tempeh or textured vegetable proteins (TVP). You can try various combinations and proportions to get the desired texture.
• Season carefully: the vegan picadillo is based on the flavors of spices and herbs. Try to balance the tastes by gradually adding spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika or other favorite spices. Adjust the quantities to get the perfect taste.
• Allow time for the flavors to develop: The vegan picadillo improves as it rests and the flavors of the ingredients are allowed to blend. If you have time, let it cool a little after cooking and serve it the next day to allow it to mature and concentrate the flavors.
• Customize the recipe: The vegan picadillo is very versatile and you can add your own twist. Experiment with adding ingredients such as peas, corn, nuts or seeds to give it a personal touch and make it suit your tastes.
• Adjust the seasoning level: If you like spicy food, you can add hot peppers or chili flakes to the picadillo. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of spices. Make sure you adjust the seasoning according to your preferences and those you share the meal with.
• Creative serving combinations: Vegan Picadillo can be served in a variety of ways. Apart from the classic rice or tortilla, try using it as a filling for tacos, burritos or enchiladas. You can even try to add it over pasta or use it as a topping for a crunchy salad.

How to store, freeze and meal prep

• Cool completely: Allow the picadillo to cool completely before placing in storage containers. Thus, you will avoid the formation of condensation and damage to the texture.
• Portion it: Divide the picadillo into individual portions, so that it is easier to portion it later for meals prepared in advance. Use containers with tight lids to ensure freshness and prevent leaks.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the picadillo, make sure it is completely cooled first. You can use resistant freezer bags or containers for storage in the freezer. Remove as much air as possible from the package to avoid ice formation.
• Label and date: Do not forget to label each portion with the date of preparation. Thus, you will be able to know how much time has passed since freezing and avoid prolonged storage that can affect the taste and quality of the preparation.
• Thawing: To use the frozen picadillo, you can opt for one of the following methods: Thawing in the refrigerator: Leave the container or freezer bag in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Thawing at room temperature: Place the freezer bag in a bowl of warm water to speed up the thawing process.
• Reheating: After defrosting, you can reheat the picadillo on low heat in a pan or in the oven. Add a little water or vegetable stock to maintain moisture and avoid drying.
• Meal prep: Once the picadillo is reheated, you can use the individual portions for meal prep. Combine it with rice, pasta or other favorite ingredients and prepare meals in advance in sealed containers.

Make sure that the picadillo is stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3-4 days or in the freezer for a period of up to 3 months for the best quality and freshness.

I hope that this little introduction to the world of picadillo will inspire you to try this special recipe and enjoy the authentic and savory taste it offers.

How to make a vegan picadillo recipe