Picada (meat platter)

picada_(meat_platter)

The Colombian Picada, or meat platter, is a popular dish in the country that has become a favorite around the world. This traditional Colombian recipe consists of a variety of meats, grilled to perfection, and served with an array of side dishes, making it the perfect sharing plate for family and friends to enjoy.

The word “picada” translates to “chopped” or “cut,” and that’s exactly what this dish is all about. It is a delicious mix of different cuts of meat such as beef, pork, and chicken, combined with typical Colombian sides like yuca, plantains, and chorizo. These ingredients are often cooked to perfection, seasoned with traditional Colombian spices, and served together on a large platter.

While a picada may seem simple to make, there is an art to preparing this dish correctly. Choosing the right cuts of meat, ensuring that they are well-marinated and seasoned correctly, and cooking them to perfection can often make the difference between an average picada and a truly delicious one.

One of the key components to a traditional Colombian picada is the use of different cuts of meat. Beef cuts like sirloin, flank, and ribeye are commonly used, as well as pork and chicken. These meats are cubed or sliced into small bite-sized pieces, seasoned with spices, and then grilled or fried until they are tender and full of flavor.

The Colombian Picada also includes a variety of side dishes, often including arepas (cornmeal cakes), chorizo sausage, yuca fries, plantains, and potatoes. All of these sides are also seasoned with spices and cooked to perfection, adding even more flavor to the overall dish.

To make a traditional Colombian Picada, you will need to start by selecting the meats and sides that you want to use. You will then need to marinate your meats with your preferred Colombian spices, such as cumin, paprika, and oregano, to ensure that they are bursting with flavor.

Once your meats are marinated, you can start grilling or frying them to perfection. While grilling is the traditional method of cooking these meats, you can cook them using any method that works best for you, such as frying, sautéing or baking.

Once the meats and sides are cooked, arrange them on a large platter to create a colorful and visually appealing dish. Often the meats are placed in the center of the platter and the sides are placed around the edges. This makes it easy for everyone to dig in and pick their favorite pieces as they share the meal together.

In conclusion, the Colombian Picada is a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends. This dish brings together an array of flavors, colors, and textures that make it a true delight for the senses. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or a party with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a new favorite for all who try it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb of pork sausages or chorizo, sliced
  • 1 lb of chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb of pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup of beer
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef, pork, chicken, and pork belly pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the chopped tomato, cumin powder, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
  5. Pour the beer into the skillet and stir to combine.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the liquid has evaporated and the meat is tender, about 25-30 minutes.
  7. Remove the bay leaf and transfer the picada to a large serving platter.
  8. Squeeze the lime wedges over the picada and serve immediately. Enjoy!