Bison Picadillo
Picadillo is a traditional dish that many countries claim to have ties too. Being a dish focused within Spanish, Mexican and Cuban cuisines, they all have similar ingredients and processes with their own spins on it to make it native to their countries. Explained as a dish using easily accessible ingredients like olives, raisins and meat some of the region-specific differences include the addition of potatoes, capers and additional seasonings and spices. How the dish is served also is dictated by the region whether it is served over rice, in tortillas, with plantains or in empanadas. Picadillo is a comforting food, that is easy to make and results in a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish.
Our inspiration was drawn from our visit to Cuba years ago where the presence of diverse produce and seasoning was limited to government restrictions. The value of finding an onion for sale or the trading of spices on a secret market made the outcome of a flavorful rich dish so much more impactful. We took advantage of easily stored dried seasonings, and starchy potatoes to make this a hearty main dish. We made it our own by using bison meat and adding sour cream, cilantro, and avocado to brighten and freshen it up.
