One of the things we hear from Eat REAL America members is just how big our recipe library has become – with now over 1,400 recipes! While we absolutely love having such a wide variety of REAL food options, there is one unintended downside:
Some truly incredible recipes can get overlooked!
Sometimes it’s because an ingredient – or combination of ingredients – feels unfamiliar. Other times, it’s simply the name of the recipe raises a mental “red flag.” And because of that, those recipes can be easy to scroll right past.
We had a member share with us that she always skipped by the Snickers Inspired Stuffed Dates because she thought she didn’t like dates. Her actual words included, “Eww, I don’t think so!” After she was convinced to try them at one of our cooking demos, she now loves them and they are her go-to sweet treat to take to friend and family gatherings.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new series we’re calling Hidden Gems Revealed.
Hidden Gems Revealed
In this series, we’ll be sharing short videos that walk you through how to prepare some of the most underrated recipes on the Eat REAL America website—recipes that might look unusual at first glance, but that consistently surprise people once they actually make them.
And we couldn’t think of a better way to kick things off than with the Cuban Picadillo.
What EAT REAL America Members Are Saying
This recipe has become of favorite for many who have tried it. Here are just a few of our member comments:
An amazing dish. I love the saltiness of the olives mixed with the sweet raisins and the Adobo seasoning. A burst of many flavors in your mouth.
This tasted soooo good! I left out the green olives and oregano because I really don’t like those ingredients. The spice was just right and I was surprised at how much the raisins added to the flavor. I will definitely be making this recipe again……. soon.
Your recipes are SO unique and delicious! This is a beautiful and tasty dish!
What is Cuban Picadillo?
Picadillo is a classic Latin American dish made with ground meet (traditionally beef), tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of warm spices. What makes the Cuban version unique – and what sometimes causes people to pause – is the addition of ingredients like olives and raisins.
That savory-sweet combination may sound a little unexpected, but it’s exactly what makes this dish special. The olives add a salty depth, the raisins bring a subtle sweetness and, together, the flavors are delicious. Think of it as comfort food with personality!
Traditionally, picadillo is served with rice or used as a filling for tacos or empanadas. We served ours over roasted bell peppers to amp up the veggies. It would also be delicious served over cauliflower rice or as a filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed peppers.
A Healthy Choice
Like so many traditional cultural dishes, Cuban Picadillo isn’t just rich in flavor. It’s also deeply nourishing.
Protein-rich: Ground beef (or another quality protein) provides essential amino acids that support muscle, metabolism, and satiety.
Plant-powered: Tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices, olives, and raisins – no ultra-processed or mystery ingredients.
Keeps you satisfied: The combination of savory, salty, and naturally sweet helps satisfy cravings without relying on added sugars or refined carbs.
Comfort in a bowl: Meals like this are nourishing, both physically and emotionally, which matters more than we often give credit for.
This is a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to mean bland or boring!
Could You Replace the Meat with More Plants?
While we haven’t done it yet, we think you could absolutely make a vegetarian Cuban Picadillo without losing the amazing flavor.
Much of the magic comes from the onion and garlic base, the tomatoes, the warm spices (like cumin and oregano), salty olives, and the natural sweetness of the raisins. Preserve those elements and add the right plant-based protein – it should still work beautifully.
A few great options could include:
Tempeh. This would work especially well because of its hearty, firm texture and its ability to absorb flavor. Crumble it into small pieces (similar to ground meat), sauté it with the onions and garlic, add the seasonings, and then proceed with the recipe.
Mushroom + walnut blend. Finely chop the mushrooms and walnuts (you could use your Ninja or food processor), sauté to cook off the moisture and concentrate the flavor, then add the seasonings and proceed with the recipe.
Lentils (or lentils and mushrooms). Use brown or green lentils (not red – they may get too soft), cook them separately until just tender, add the seasonings, and then incorporate them into the sauce.
Don’t Forget the Salad!
You always hear us say to eat a big salad with every meal. Habit #6 on our Napkin is:
“Enjoy a flavor-loaded dark leafy green salad with a homemade dressing every day.”
Bring freshness and different textures to heartier dishes
And in the middle of winter – when many of us are craving heavier and heartier comfort foods – this becomes even more important.
We thought the Mood Boosting Fruit Salad was a perfect pairing with the Cuban Picadillo. The bright colors, natural sweetness, and fresh flavors perfectly balance the warm, savory richness of the picadillo. It lightens the meal, adds fiber and antioxidants and – true to its name – can truly lift your mood!
Discover Your Own Hidden Gems
Some of the best recipes are the ones that surprise you. If an ingredient – or combination of ingredients – feels unfamiliar, that’s often a sign you’re about to discover something new – not something to avoid.
Our Hidden Gems Revealed series is all about helping you rediscover what’s already here, offering a little inspiration and guidance, and giving you the confidence to try recipes you might have otherwise skipped.
We hope you give the these a try – and keep an open mind as we shine a spotlight on more hidden gems from the Eat REAL America kitchen!
What are your hidden gems that you have found on the Eat REAL America website?
Please share with us!
Leave A Comment
2 Responses to Cuban Picadillo: A Hidden Gem!
Ooh! I don’t ever remember seeing this recipe, but now I want to try it. The addition of the green olives makes me think of how my grandma used to add them to her spaghetti sauce. It’s the only way I’ve ever liked green olives, so I could see it being a good combo here. I’m inspired to try a vegan version. I’ll report back after I’ve tried it.
I love this idea of Hidden Gems! I have to admit I have passed up some recipes because I didn’t “like the sound of them”. Other times I have tried some of those when in an adventurous mood and we have loved them! Thanks for always helping us keep it Real!
Ooh! I don’t ever remember seeing this recipe, but now I want to try it. The addition of the green olives makes me think of how my grandma used to add them to her spaghetti sauce. It’s the only way I’ve ever liked green olives, so I could see it being a good combo here. I’m inspired to try a vegan version. I’ll report back after I’ve tried it.
I love this idea of Hidden Gems! I have to admit I have passed up some recipes because I didn’t “like the sound of them”. Other times I have tried some of those when in an adventurous mood and we have loved them! Thanks for always helping us keep it Real!