Katutubo Thursday: Picadillo sin Carne (Vegan Picadillo) | Amrey’s Kitchen™

Vegan Picadillo Rice Bowl

Back in high school, one of my fondest food memories was the comforting taste of pork picadillo from a humble karinderya owned by the family of a senior schoolmate. Her dad cooked a mean picadillo—rich and savoury. It’s been decades now since I stopped consuming pork and other red meats. I don’t really miss the meat part, but there are several childhood dishes I’ve turned ‘vegetarian’ and ‘vegan’, especially during the years I was enjoying a strict #vegan diet.

Pre-Colonial Baybayin for Picadillo

Picadillo is a stew made traditionally with minced meat, tomato, potatoes, and raisins. You’ll find versions of it all over Latin America and the Philippines, thanks to our shared history with Spanish colonization. But what makes it special in the Filipino kitchen is how we adapt it—using what’s available, making it affordable, and giving it that lutong bahay love.

This Vegan Picadillo takes the essence of the classic and gives it a plant-based twist—without losing the deep flavors that make it so beloved. It’s meatless, flavourful, and very nourishing. #mindfuleating

Whether you serve it over warm rice, wrap it in a lettuce cup, or spoon it into an empanada (😉 more on that soon), this Vegan Picadillo is proof that food can be both rooted in tradition and aligned with change.

Comforting. Nutritious. And oh-so-flavorful.

Before heading off to the kitchen to make this recipe a go, let’s broaden our Filipino word bank with some Katutubo 101.

karinderya - eatery

lutong bahay - homecooked

guiniling - minced/ground meat

patatas - potato

bawang - garlic

ahos - garlic

asin - salt

pamintang durog - ground pepper/pepper powder

dahon ng laurel - bay leaf

toyo - soy sauce

kamatis na puro - tomato paste

mantika - cooking oil

pasas - raisins

Pre-Colonial Baybayin cards

Do you like adding carrots to your picadillo? Remember to share your foodgasmic photos on IG @amreyskitchen (#amreyskitchen #amapolism #katutubo101). Remember, sharing is loving.

Sleeping Yeti

Yeti kept me company whilst I was busy in the kitchen whipping up this Vegan Picadillo. Just look at him sleep like it’s no one else’s business!

Let’s keep spreading LOVE with Amrey’s Kitchen™ mindfully crafted recipes and creations!

Happy cooking, lovelies! #mettalove