Cuban Lentil Picadillo

A vibrant, plant-based twist on the classic Cuban picadillo, this dish is made with hearty lentils, briny olives, and sweet raisins for a deliciously savory-sweet balance. It captures the essence of Latin American comfort food while remaining entirely vegan and gluten-free.

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This picadillo is a versatile staple that brings warmth and depth to any meal. With its aromatic base and rich texture, it is a crowd-pleasing dish that transitions perfectly from family dinners to festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• Lentils: 1 cup dried brown or green lentils (rinsed), 2 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
• Aromatics & Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 1 green bell pepper (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium carrot (diced), 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
• Seasonings: 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), Salt and black pepper to taste
• Add-ins: ⅓ cup green olives (sliced), ¼ cup raisins, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons capers (optional), 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Simmer the Lentils

In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes until just tender. Drain any excess liquid.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Melt Flavors

Add cooked lentils, tomato paste, olives, raisins, and capers (if using). Mix well and cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Stir in red wine vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, ideally with rice or plantains.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra richness, add a splash of dry white wine with the tomatoes. This helps to deglaze the pan and adds a sophisticated depth of flavor to the sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute lentils with finely chopped mushrooms for a different texture. For those who prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño during the sautéing stage.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this flavorful picadillo over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. It also pairs excellently with traditional Cuban sides like sweet plantains.

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With its vibrant colors and bold seasonings, this Cuban-Inspired Lentil Picadillo is a celebration of simple, plant-based ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Enjoy the warm, savory-sweet flavors of Havana in your own kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes picadillo unique?

Traditional picadillo combines savory and sweet elements through ingredients like olives, raisins, and warm spices like cinnamon. This lentil version maintains those distinctive flavor profiles while keeping the dish entirely plant-based.

→ Can I use different types of lentils?

Brown and green lentils work best as they hold their shape during cooking. Red lentils tend to become too soft and mushy, while black lentils take longer to cook. Avoid using pre-cooked or canned lentils for optimal texture.

→ How should I serve this dish?

It pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, roasted plantains, or quinoa. You can also serve it in warm corn tortillas, over roasted potatoes, or as a filling for empanadas.

→ Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

→ What can I substitute for the raisins?

Dried currants, chopped dried apricots, or even diced sweet potatoes work well if you prefer alternatives to raisins. The sweetness is essential to balance the briny olives and savory spices.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The cayenne pepper is optional and adds mild heat. Without it, the dish has gentle warmth from the smoked paprika and cinnamon but isn't spicy. Adjust to your preference.