Picada Food

STEAK PICADO

Steps:

• generously salt and pepper the steak pieces and lightly brown in a little bit of oil for 3 minutes in a medium sized pot.
• add onion & garlic, saute for 2 minutes more.
• add remaining ingredients, bring to a low boil.
• reduce heat, cover and let it simmer for 45 -60 minutes.
• this can also be converted to a crock pot recipe. after browning the meat in a skillet, transfer to a crock pot, add remaining ingredients and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8.

SCALLOPS WITH CHORIZO & HAZELNUT PICADA

Steps:

• To make the picada, put ½ tbsp oil in a small frying pan over a medium heat. After a few mins, drop a piece of the bread in - if it sizzles, reduce the heat a little and add all the bread in a single layer. Fry, turning frequently, until the bread is pale gold, then spread it out on kitchen paper to cool. Add the remaining oil to the pan, fry the garlic until golden and add to the bread.
• Toast the nuts until fragrant (they should smell toasted), then rub in a tea towel while still warm to remove the skins. Blitz the bread and garlic with the nuts, lemon zest and coriander in a food processor using the pulse button (you want a coarse mix). Mix in the vinegar, sherry and salt, and add lemon juice to taste.
• Look at the scallops to find a little white bit at the side - this becomes tough when cooked, so cut it off (watch our how to prepare scallops video). Pat the scallops dry with kitchen paper (they don't colour well if you fry them when they're wet) and brush with extra virgin olive oil.
• Fry the chorizo in a little oil in a small frying pan until well coloured all over with a slight crust.
• Meanwhile, heat another pan until searing hot, add a small glug of oil, then the scallops. Season and cook for about 30 secs each side - you want just a little colour. Divide the scallops between the four shells, add the chorizo and top with the hazelnut mixture and a knob of butter. Put under a hot grill until cooked through (mine took about 90 secs). Squeeze on a little more lemon juice and serve immediately.

PICADAS (PINCHED MASA TARTLETS)

Steps:

• For the picadas: With your hands, work the salt into the masa.
• Shape it into 20 to 22 walnut-size balls.
• Press them into rounds about 3 inches across and 1/8-inch thick.
• Set them side by side (not stacked) on baking sheets as they are shaped, covering them with a damp cloth.
• Lightly grease a griddle or large cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles on contact.
• Have ready a basket lined with tea towels.
• Now you must work quickly, because the masa will be supple enough to shape for only a few seconds after baking.
• Place 2 of the prepared masa rounds on the hot griddle and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes, until the edges shrink away slightly from the pan and lose their raw look.
• Turn and cook the other side for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes more.
• Transfer to a plate or work surface and, while they're still hot, quickly pinch up the edges of each into a slightly raised rim.
• Place them in the basket and cover snugly with the towels.
• Continue with the remaining masa rounds, 2 at a time.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
• In a small skillet or saucepan, heat the lard or shortening over medium heat until hot but not quite rippling.
• Using kitchen tongs, slide each picada into the hot fat and let it cook for 10 to 20 seconds.
• Before it starts to brown, lift out, letting it drain well, and set on the prepared baking sheet.
• When all the picadas are done, layer them with guacamole, cooked chicken and salsa.
• Scatter some of the grated cheese over the sauce, top with some chopped onion, if desired, and serve.

PICADA

Steps:

• Wrap the saffron threads in aluminum foil and toast lightly in a hot frying pan for a few seconds, being careful not to let them burn. Cool. Put the peeled garlic and the parsley leaves into a small bowl. Add the toasted saffron threads. Next, add the olive oil. Process with a hand-held blender to make a coarse paste. Add the toasted hazelnuts and continue to make an even, fine mixture.