Homemade Picadillo and Authentic Mexican Rice

Ingredients for Homemade Picadillo :

• 2 tbsp evoo (extra virgin olive oil)
• 1 to 2 lbs ground beef
• 3 potatoes cubed
• 1 can green beans or fresh (optional)
• small onion
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 3 tomatoes diced
• 2 Serrano Chile’s chopped
• 1 tsp kosher salt add more if needed
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano rubbed between palms
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 3 tsps paprika
• Pepper to taste

Instructions :

1. Add the evoo to a skillet add potatoes cook until browned and cooked through, remove from pan.
2. Add ground beef, garlic and onions and spices cook until browned add tomatoes and Serrano cook until thick add potatoes and simmer 5 minutes and done!

Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Rice :

• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic , minced
• 1/4 medium onion , finely diced
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce , or 2 pureed tomatoes*
• 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon granulated, or cubes*
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 carrot , diced
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 3 cups water
• 1–3 whole serrano peppers , optional

Instructions :

1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the rice and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden brown all over (about 10 minutes).
3. Add tomato sauce, garlic, and diced onion to the pan. Stir. Add tomato bullion, salt, carrots, peas, and water (and serrano peppers, if using. They add a little flavor, but not spice.).
4. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed.  Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.