DAY 3, CHILLI CON or SIN CARNE

A winter warmer today  - spicy and delicious made with either minced beef or lentils! This is a family favourite and freezes well for another day. I've included the recipe for my chilli powder, made from 7 different seasonings including cocoa powder - shop bought mixes are just as good!

Chili con Carne

1 medium onion

2 cloves garlic

1 tbsp olive oil

250g minced beef or 1 tin lentils

400g tin black/kidney beans

1 tin tomatoes

1 tbsp chili seasoning

1 tbsp tomato paste

100mls veg/beef stock

I used some finely chopped celery and grated carrot too

1. Finely chop onion and garlic and sauté gently in olive oil for 10 minutes or until translucent.

2. Increase heat to medium and add minced beef and brown.

I used lentils

3. Add kidney beans, tinned tomatoes, 1 tbsp. chili seasoning, tomato paste and stock.

I used black beans, cooked (from dry) overnight in the slow cooker

make a big batch and keep it in a jar - you only need 1tbsp for this recipe

4. Reduce heat and simmer gently, covered with a lid, for 20 minutes.

Want perfect rice every time?

Measure the rice and water by volume....1 part rice, 2 parts water and a pinch or two of salt. 

for a family of four, you'll need roughly 2 cups rice, 4 cups water

Place in a covered pan over a low heat until all the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes)

Serve together with fresh chopped 'salsa' of salad vegetables and a blob of soured cream or yoghurt!