Introduction
Filipino Picadillo, known locally as “giniling,” is a beloved comfort dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors. This hearty ground meat stew combines tender chunks of meat with vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect over rice. The dish exemplifies the Filipino adaptation of Spanish cuisine, creating something uniquely Filipino with its combination of soy sauce, tomato sauce, and sweet elements.
The beauty of Picadillo lies in its versatility and approachability. It uses affordable ingredients that come together to create something far more satisfying than the sum of its parts. The dish is particularly popular because it’s both budget-friendly and nutritious, packing proteins, vegetables, and complex flavors into one pot.
Traditional Filipino Picadillo often includes ingredients like potatoes, carrots, green peas, and bell peppers, with the unique addition of sweet elements like raisins that add depth and complexity to the savory profile. This recipe will guide you through creating this comforting, family-friendly dish in your own kitchen.
Perfect for weeknight meals, Picadillo also makes excellent leftovers and can be customized based on what vegetables you have on hand. The recipe is forgiving and allows for personal touches while maintaining its distinctive Filipino character.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef as alternative)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cubed
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water or broth
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pan or pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Variations
For a richer flavor, add a small amount of liver spread (like the Batangas-style kaldereta variation) to the sauce.
Add hard-boiled eggs cut in half during the last few minutes of cooking for a more substantial meal, similar to a Filipino-style menudo.
Try serving as a filling for empanadas or as a topping for baked potatoes.
For a spicier twist, add chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
For a heartier version, add cubed potatoes and other root vegetables that complement the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Picadillo hot over steamed jasmine rice, which is the traditional way to enjoy this dish. The rice provides the perfect neutral base that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
Pair with a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stew.
Consider serving with atchara (Filipino pickled papaya) to complement the flavors with its tangy and sweet profile.
For a complete Filipino meal, add a bowl of sinigang (sour soup) or a simple vegetable dish to balance the meal nutritionally.
A cold beverage like iced tea or calamansi juice helps balance the richness of the dish.
Leftover Picadillo tastes great the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Nutritional Information
Filipino Picadillo is a nutritious one-pot meal that provides protein from the ground meat, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes and carrots, and additional nutrients from the vegetables. The dish is rich in vitamin A from the carrots, vitamin C from the bell peppers, and various B vitamins from the meat.
Raisins add natural sweetness and a small amount of fiber and antioxidants. Green peas contribute additional protein, fiber, and vitamins. The dish provides essential amino acids and energy, making it a satisfying meal.
Compared to other ground meat dishes, Picadillo is relatively moderate in calories while providing a balanced mix of macronutrients. The inclusion of vegetables makes it more nutritionally complete than many meat-heavy dishes.
Cooking Tips & Troubleshooting
Problem: Sauce is too thin – Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Problem: Vegetables are mushy – Solution: Add vegetables according to their cooking time requirements, with longer-cooking ones added first.
Problem: Dish is too salty – Solution: Balance with a small amount of sugar or additional water/broth.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure ground meat is cooked to 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the meat, as this can cause steaming rather than browning.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve as they meld together overnight.
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, add a small amount of water or broth to prevent drying out, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Leftover Picadillo works well as a filling for tacos, sandwiches, or as a pasta sauce when thinned with additional liquid.
Cultural Significance
Filipino Picadillo represents the adaptation of Spanish cuisine to local Filipino tastes and ingredients. This dish exemplifies how Filipino cuisine has taken foreign influences and transformed them into something uniquely Filipino.
The addition of raisins and the balance of sweet and savory flavors is characteristic of Filipino cooking, which often combines contrasting flavors in a single dish. The dish is popular in homes throughout the Philippines as a budget-friendly, nutritious meal.
Picadillo is often featured in Filipino celebrations and family gatherings, where its familiar flavors bring comfort and satisfaction. The recipe has been passed down through generations with families often having their own special variations.
The dish’s versatility and adaptability make it a symbol of Filipino resourcefulness in the kitchen, creating delicious meals from simple, everyday ingredients.
