Picadillo: An Ibarguen Family Recipe

My mother's side of the family has been making this dish for holidays and special occasions for at least as long as I can remember and I'm sure for much longer than that. The best part of it is, that it also just so happens to be both gluten, dairy, and soy free!

Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 small jar of pimento stuffed green olives, each halved
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 large cloves of garlic, chopped
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey thigh)
1 small can tomato paste
3 small cans of water (use the tomato paste can for this measurement)
3/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup raisins
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 cups cooked rice (brown or white, whatever your preference)

Make
In a large and deep pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil on medium heat.
Add the green pepper, olives, onion, and garlic.
Saute until the onions just begin to become translucent.
Add the ground beef and cook until mostly browned. Breaking up any large chunks.
Add the tomato paste, water, applesauce, raisins, vinegar, and remaining olive oil.
Simmer uncovered for about 30-34 minutes.
Serve hot over rice.

Makes enough for about 4 large servings.