Vegan Cuban picadillo, a plant-based version of this traditional dish, made with lentils, potatoes, olives, capers, raisins and other delicious ingredients.
Heat some water or oil in a deep skillet, wok stir fry pan or a large pot, add the veggies (garlic, onion and red bell pepper) and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown.
Add tomato paste and spices (oregano, cumin, salt, cayenne powder and black pepper), stir and cook for at least a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the raisins, water or broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil and then cook over medium-high heat for 20 minutes or until potatoes are cooked.
Finally, add the rest of the ingredients (lentils, olives and capers), stir and cook for 5 minutes more over medium-high heat. Serve immediately (we served it with brown rice and chopped parsley).
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for about 5 days.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite veggies and spices.
Tomato paste can be replaced by tomato sauce, tomato puree or even chopped tomatoes.
If you use vegetable stock instead of water, the vegan Cuban picadillo will be even tastier.
You don't need to peel the potatoes, it's up to you.
If you don't like raisins, olives or raisins, omit them.