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Easy and tasty Tico chayote picadillo



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Published on Saturday, January 25, 2025






By Melissa Pette



We’ve been exploring some of Costa Rica’s favorite picadillo recipes, like the flavorful arracache and the classic green papaya picadillo



However, one dish you’ll find on almost every Tico’s table is chayote and ground meat picadillo. 



Traditionally made with ground beef, this dish is incredibly versatile you can use pork, chicken, or even create a vegetarian version. That’s what makes it so wonderful: its adaptability in flavor, texture, and how it can be served. 



So, let's go to the kitchen!



These simple ingredients can easily be found in any supermarket in Costa Rica: 



  • 3 chayotes (also known as chokos). 


  • 2 cans of sweet corn. 


  • 1 kilo of potatoes. 


  • 1/4 kilo of ground beef (or your choice of meat).


  • 1 onion. 


  • 1 red sweet pepper. 


  • 1 bunch of cilantro or coriander. 


  • 1 tablespoon diced garlic. 


  • 1/2 tablespoon salt. 


  • 1 teaspoon achiote (annatto). 


  • 1 can of green sweet peas. 


  • 1 can of diced carrots. 


  • 1/4 cup vegetable or sunflower oil.  










First, chop the chayote and potatoes into small squares. If you’re not using fresh corn, open two cans of sweet corn and set them aside. 


In a saucepan, combine the ground beef with half of the chopped onion, half of the chopped red sweet pepper, half of the chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and half the oil. Fry the mixture until the meat turns golden brown. 


In a pot of water, add the chopped chayote, potatoes, the remaining oil, and a pinch of salt. Boil until the vegetables are cooked, then drain. 


In a large pot, add the cooked vegetables, the remaining chopped onion, red sweet pepper, cilantro, canned carrots, and green sweet peas. Stir in the garlic and annatto for extra flavor. Finally, add the fried meat to the mix. Combine everything well and let it simmer on low heat for three minutes. 


And that’s it! Your delicious chayote picadillo is ready to enjoy. 


Serve this tasty dish over rice, pasta, warm tortillas, or even in a sandwich it’s always a hit!   Enjoy your flavorful Costa Rican meal! 



Have a pura vida weekend!




----------------
Everyone is invited to share their recipes with a horizontal photo of the dish by emailing 
food@amcostarica.com. More Costa Rica's delightful recipes can be found on the AM Costa Rica Food page.





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