Showing posts with label beef. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beef. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Core Beef Meatballs - Steamed

Meatballs for use in spaghetti and meatballs, meatball soup etc.
This recipe steams the meatballs, making lovely and moist.
You can cook in oven instead.
If serving as a finger food, I suggest browning under griller or in fry pan


When mince is on special I'll often do a huge batch and freeze in zip lock bags for quick meals later.

Serves: 30 meatballs

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 500g lean beef mince
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 TB dry french onion soup mix or dehydrated onion flakes
  • 2 tsp gried garlic powder
  • 1 TB dry parsley or basil 
Method:
The easiest may to do meatballs is to get your hand in there. Before starting, wash hands well and pour a basin of luke warm water.
Mix all together with your hands.
Dampen your palms and form into small 2 cm balls.
If the mixture sticks to your hand, dampen your palms, this will stop it sticking and give a smoother ball.
Place in single layer in steamer basket. Do not crowd as the fats drain better with a few mm between balls.
Steam for 10 minutes.

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 15 pts or 1/2 pt a meatball

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Core Khao Tom - Thai Rice Soup - Thai Cooking School (Core + 1pt)

I learnt this authentic recipe at Thai cooking school in Patong, Phuket in January.

If using chicken, it's called Khao Tom Gai
Beef = Khao Tom Nua, Pork = Khao Tom Moo, Prawns = Khao Tom Goong

Serves: 1

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • cooked rice, 60g or 1/3 cup
  • 500ml water
  • meat - handful of meat of choice, sliced thin (for Pointing, 80g chicken breast or lean steak, you can also use 2 pts of pork or seafood if you wish)
  • * 1 TB brown sugar or palm sugar (*1pt)
  • 3 TB light soy sauce
  • 2-3 pinches ground white pepper (note black pepper may be used for taste, but it looks like burnt flecks)
  • 4 baby corns, cut to 2cm
  • 1 handful cabbage, cut to 2-3cm square
  • 1/3 small carrot, sliced thin

Method:
In a small pot bring the water to the boil.
Add meat and keep boiling until meat is cooked.
Add cooked rice and remaining ingredients.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, being careful not to over cook the vegies.
Serve and enjoy.

This is traditionally served with 2 garnishes - 2 pinches of pickled radish and a pinch of fried garlic.

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 4pts for a large bowl

On Core you need to allow 1 pt for the sugar


Me in cooking school serving Khao Tom. Yes I am very sunburnt from snorkelling the day before.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Tortilla Stacks - Core +1.5pts/serve





An interesting twist to conventional burritos that is sure to become a family favorite.



Serves: 6

Difficulty: Easy

Equipment: a 20cm Springform Cake pan.
If you don't have one, you can still make the stack, spreading the filling to 5mm of edges.

Ingredients:

  • 500 g Very Lean Beef Mince
  • 1 large Onion, diced to 5mm
  • 1 large or 2 small Red Capsicums, deseeded and diced to 5mm
  • 2 clove Garlic, crushed (or 2 tsp garlic paste)
  • 1 x 400g can Diced Tomato
  • 1 cup (150 g) Frozen Corn Kernels (or 125g can, drained)
  • 1 cup Canned Mixed Beans or Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 Light Tortilla Wraps (I suggest Old El Paso Light Tortilla Wraps
  • 200 g of Low-Fat Cottage Cheese, blended smooth
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Coriander
  • 2 tsp Cumin powder
Method:

Fry onion, garlic and capsium with 3TB water in a non-stick pan until onion becomes translucent.
Add mince and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps.
Add tomatoes, corn, tinned beans and spices.
Simmer for about 15 minutes until juices evaporate and it becomes thick.
Lightly spray a 20cm spring form pan with oil. Place pan on baking tray (to collect any leaks).
Place 1 tortilla in pan, top with 1/3 mince mix.
Repeat layers twice, ending with a tortilla on top.
Cover top cortilla with the blended cottage cheese, sprinkle with a little paprika.
Bake at 180-200*C for 25-30 mins
Allow to stand for 5 mins before slicing.
Serve with a green salad.

On Core you need to count only the Tortillas - 7.5 pts in whole recipe, or 1.5 pts each serving 6

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 29.5 pts, or 5 pts each serving 6

Nutritional data (per serve):

318 cals, 1328 kj, 7.5g fat, 3.4g sat fat, 29.2g protein, 31.8g carbs

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Core Meatball Soup


Serves: 6

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 1 x 500g quantity of 2 cm meatballs
  • 2 medium Carrots, diced (2 cup)
  • 150 g Sweet Potato, diced (1 cup)
  • 1 large onion, diced (1 cup)
  • 3 TB garlic, crushed
  • 250 g Potatoes, diced (2 cup)
  • 4 TB BeefStock Powder
  • 200 g of McKenzies Soup Mix
  • 10 cup Water
  • 1 can (400g) Diced Tomato
  • 3 TB Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tsp Oregano Leaves
  • 3TB tomato paste
  • 2 cup Cabbage, shredded
  • Salt/pepper to taste

Method:
Make the meatballs. If frozen, if fine to use without defrosting
Sautee onion, carrot, potato, sweet potato and garlic for 5 mins in pan sprayed with oil.
Add rest of ingredients except cabbage and simmer with lid on for 30 mins.
Take off heat, stir cabbage through.
Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving, trying to get an even number of meatballs in each bowl.

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 22 pts , or 3.5pts each serving 6

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Core Open Beef Kofta Topped with Salad


Inspired by MasterChef George

Serves: 6

Difficulty: Easy, but need to watch timing

Ingredients:
  • 1 garlic clove, finely sliced
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 550g lean beef mince
  • 3 TB chopped parsley
  • rind of 1 lemon finely grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 TB seeded mustard
  • 3 TB finely chopped coriander
  • 1 TB cumin powder
  • 30g wholegrain breadcrumbs (1 thin slice bread in food processer)
  • 6 mini pitas, I usually use rye (Core) but pictured with Wholemeal

To serve:

  • 200g Fat Free Natural Yoghurt
  • handful coriander with roots removed
  • handful spinach leaves
  • carrot ribbons (use peeler)
  • cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1-2 Lebanese cucumbers or 1/3 continental, sliced thin
  • red onion, sliced thin
  • 1/2 a red capsium sliced thin
Method:
Put a medium sized non stick pan on to warm at medium with the olive oil.
Fry the garlic and onion until wilted and translucent, then cool the mix.
In a large bowl mix the mince, parsley, lemon rind, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, chilled onion/garlic mixture, spices. Add salt and pepper if desired.
Divide the meat mix into 6 balls.
Put each ball on 1 pita bread and squish down evenly to edges.
Heat fry pan, spray with a little oil and fry the kofta base down for 2 minutes to ensure a crunchy base.
Transfer to griller and grill for 6 minutes.
Top pita/meat with a big dollop of yoghurt and the salad.

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 37.5 pts, or 6 pts each
(calculations assume pitas are 2.5 pts each, please check your brand as they vary greatly)

Friday, June 12, 2009

Almost Core Beef and Potato Curry (Slow Cooker)

Very mild curry - no 'heat' at all


Serves: 6

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:



  • 800g lean beef, cut into 1.5 - 2cm cubes
  • 12 cocktail potatoes (450g)
  • * 1 sachet Master Foods Creamy Beef and Potato Curry Sachet (2pts)
  • 2 beef stock cubes
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup non fat milk (ie Pura Tone)
  • 2 tsp coconut essence (milk and coco essence = non fat coco milk!)
  • 3 TB tomato paste
  • 4TB cornflour (to thicken), mixed with a little of the water to make a paste

Method:

Put all in slow cooker.
Cook on low from breakfast to dinner time.

On Core you'll need to allow 1/2 pt per serve for the flavour sachet

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is approx 28 pts, serving 6 = 4.5 pts per serve

Add 2 pts for or 3/4 cup cooked rice (2.5 pts for 1/4c raw rice)

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Core Moroccan Beef, Lentils and Rice


A quick one pan throw together that is full of flavour

Serves: 6+

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 400g extra lean mince
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tsp garlic
  • 1 cup lentils (preferably whole)
  • 1 cup dry white rice
  • 2 x 410g can of Ardmona Rich & Thick Tomatoes, Moroccan Style
  • 3 cans-worth water
  • 4 tsp beef stock powder
  • 4 cups diced free vegies (I was in a slack mood and used frozen: 2 cube spinach and 4 cups green beans)
  • 1 cup corn kernels

Method:

Dry fry beef in a nonstick pan with garlic and onion
Add beef stock, tomatoes, water, lentils, rice and simmer with lid on for 25-30 mins until most water is absorbed.
Add vegies and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until vegies are tender.

I served on a bed of bean sprouts to add a sweet-crunch

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 29 pts, or 5 pts each for 6 serves

Friday, May 22, 2009

Core Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Warm and comforting rather than gourmet


Serves: 4 - 6

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 400g beef, cubed to 2-3cm
  • 5 x 80g odd potatoes, halved (or equivalent cocktail 40g potatoes, or enormous potatoes quartered)
  • 3 carrots, cut to 2-3cm chunks
  • 1/2 a sweet potato (about 180-200g)
  • 3 carrots, cut to 2-3cm chunks
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley
  • 3 tsp crushed garlic
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 100ml red wine (not Core, but 1 pt between 4-6 serves)
  • 4 beef stock cubes
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 TB cornflour
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp peppercorns (for mild flavour - pick out)
  • 2 tsp mixed herbs

Method:

Put potatoes in base of slow cooker, followed by meat, onions, sweet potatoes, carrots and barley Add wine, herbs, garlic.
Mix the cornflour with a little of the water to make a paste and add
Dissolve the stock cubes in rest of the water and add (fluid line should be a little below the carrots - maybe 2cm)
Put on auto setting (high for 4 hours, then switches to low) all day for tender, fall apart stew (or high for 5+ hours)

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 22 pts, or 5.5 pts each for 4 serves, or 3.5 for 6 serves

Monday, May 18, 2009

CORE Best Roast Beef Ever - Slow Cooker

This was voted best ever roast from hubby. High praise indeed!
It was moist, tender and full of flavour and the small amount of left overs made awesome sandwiches with corn relish.

Best of all, it requires about 1 minute of preparation, only 2 ingredients and cooks while you get on with your day!

Serve with mashed potato, gravy and vegies

Serves:
adjustable

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • Boneless beef roast, fat removed - a 1kg roast will do 4-6 people
  • 1/2 packet french onion soup mix

Method:
Well, two ingredients and a slow cooker - do I really need to write the method? OK...

Sprinkle dry French Onion Soup Mix over the roast and put in Slow Cooker on low with no moisture.

I cooked mine on low all day from 7am to 7pm while I was at work and at the gym.
It would probably only need about 8 hours to be 'done', but the extra time makes it extra tender. Alternatively, 4+ hours on high would do it too.

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe depends on how much meat you eat
100g raw weight = 2pts, 150g = 3pts etc

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Core Quick Beef Keema Curry

A Pakistani dish which is full of flavour

Pictured: Beef Keema Curry on left and Slow Cooker Spicy Lentils on right

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 400g extra lean mince
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 capsicum, diced
  • 1 tsp crushed ginger
  • 1 tsp tumeric
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp beef stock powder
  • 1 x 400g tin diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups green beans
  • 1/2 tsp chilli

Method:

Cook mince, onion, capsicum, garlic in a few TB of water until meat browned.
Add everything else and simmer for 5 minutes

Not on Core? The total Points for this recipe is 11 pts

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Core Moroccan Beef and CousCous


With my amazing savoury mince you can have this on the table within 10 minutes of walking through the door!
Savoury mince is mince fried in onion and garlic and frozen in household sized portions
If you have any left overs, this makes a very nice cold salad the next day

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 1 packet of savoury mince, about 250 g raw weight
    (or 250g premium mince fried with half an onion)
  • 2/3 cup mint peas
  • 2/3 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup frozen beans
  • 2 frozen spinach cubes
  • hand ful of snow peas, trimmed and sliced in half vertically
  • 1 cup dry couscous
  • 2 tsp beef stock powder (or 2 cubes)
  • 2-4 tsp Moroccan spice mix (depends on brand)
  • 4 "clumps" coriander, coarsely chopped
Method:

In a very large microwave bowl, steam the vegies from frozen
Meanwhile, add couscous, stock and spice mix to another bowl and 1 cup boiling water (hint add the 2 tsp of spice mix, and taste later), stand for 5 mins
Add mince, couscous and raw snow peas to vegies, mix well.
Microwave for a few minutes until all hot.
Add the chopped cori, stir through and enjoy.

Monday, September 22, 2008

CORE Savoury Beef & Veg Crepes

Pictured with optional light mozarella topping (+1 pt)

Serves: 14-ish crepes depending on size (I ate 4)

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • Basic crepe recipe cooked as per recipe
  • 200g premium mince fried with half an onion (aka savoury mince mix)
  • 1 cup vegies chopped small (I used frozen mixed veg)
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cube frozen spinach
  • 1/2 cup plain tomato pasta sauce (like Sugo Bello)
  • Italian herbs mix
  • 1 Spring onion

Method:
Microwave the mixed vegies, spinach and corn.
Add the beef mince, tomato sauce, spring onion and herbs and mix. Allow to cool as hot filling and fingers don't mix.
Spoon 2-3 heaped teaspoons of the beef mince in a line down the center of the crepe, roll up and place on serving plate, 4 or 5 to a serve.

Optional - sprinkle with 20g shaved light mozzarella (+1 pt) and 1-2 TB of the tomato sauce.

Microwave for 1:30 - 2:00 minutes and serve

Not on Core? The total of the beef mix is approx 8 points + the total of the crepes 9 = 17 points to make 14 crepes (2.5pts for 2)

Friday, September 12, 2008

CORE Beef & Couscous Patties


Moist and tasty beef patties with couscous, tomatoes and herbs
Serving suggestion: on a bed of mash with a dollop of salsa
Pictured with Potato, Cannellini Bean & Yoghurt Mash

Serves: 4 large muffins (the 1 cup "American" style)

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup dry couscous
  • 2 tsp powdered beef stock (or 2 cubes)
  • 250 grams savoury mince mix (uncooked weight), or 250g premium mince, cooked with 1/4 onion and garlic and cooled
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup "creamed" style cottage cheese
  • 1 spring onion
  • 2 egg
  • 2 tsp Italian herbs mix (or your favourite herbs/spices)

Method:
Add couscous, stock powder and 3/4 cup boiling water to a large mixing bowl.
Allow water to absorb and cool.
Add all ingredients and mix well.
Spray muffin pans with oil.
Divide mix between muffin trays
Bake in preheated oven at 180*C for 35-40 mins.

The easiest way to de-tray these is to run a knife or spatula around edge of pan. Invert a baking tray or chopping board on the top. Flip the whole arrangement and give a firm tap on the kitchen counter and they will pop out easily.

Not on Core? The total of this recipe is approx 21 points (5 pts per muffin/patty)

Recipe modified from Buttermint's couscous muffins

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

CORE Beef Schnitzel

Serves: however many, quantities listed are for 2.

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • blade steak that has been tenderised by the butcher (150 - 200g each person)
  • 2 TB corn flour (you won't use all of it)
  • 2 tsp your favourite seasoning (I used 1 tsp of lemon pepper and 1 tsp Italian herbs)
  • olive oil

Method:
In a tough plastic bag (like those from the green grocer), add corn flour and seasoning, twist the top securely and give a little shake to mix up and check for holes.
Heat a large nonstick frypan with some olive oil until very hot.
Drop the first steak into the bag, twist off and shake the bag until the steak until evenly coated.
Add into sizzing pan and cook for a few minutes, turn ONCE and serve.

Not on Core? A 200g steak is approx 4 pts and tenderised is HUGE!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

CORE Stuffed Capsicums


Capsicums filled with rice, beef, tomatoes and Italian herbs.
Great served hot or cold.


Vegetarian option
Instead of beef mince, use:
finely chopped mushrooms, eggplant or zucchini and grated carrot lightly sauteed with onion and garlic. You may wish to add a few capers or olives.

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 4 red capsicums.
    They need to be round, about the size of a softball or grapefruit with a flat bottom so they will sit reasonably flat.
    (Alternatively, use long red capsicums and cut in half top to bottom to make "boats". You may wish to cover the rice mix with alfoil so it doesn't dry out)
  • 2 /3 c dry basmati rice
  • 200g premium beef mince
  • 1/2 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic
  • 3 TB tomato paste
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 TB chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dry basil or Italian herbs

Method:
Add rice and 2/3 c water to microwave container with lid (one that lets steam vent)
Microwave for approx 9 minutes. Most of the water should be absorbed, and the rice should be chewy not crunchy.
Heat frypan, add oil, mince, onion, garlic. Cook until brown.
Add the mince to the warm rice, with tomato paste and herbs.
Cut the top off capsicums, about 1 cm from top (pair capsicum lids with their bottoms)
Spoon the rice mix into the capsicum "cups", compact with the back of spoon and put lid back on, lining up ribs if possible.
Bake in moderate oven until capsicum begins to brown and "wilt".



Not on Core? This recipe is approx 12 points (3 per capsicum)

Saturday, August 16, 2008

CORE Quick Noodles - 10 mins - No preparation

This is a throw together meal using my favourites from the freezer.

No preparation. You can of course use fresh vegies etc.

Some of you girls know one of my lifesavers is cooking mince up with onion and garlic and freezing it in meal size portions. Another is frozen chopped onions and frozen bacon.

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet of "savoury mince" (or 200g premium mince cooked in garlic and onion)
  • 50 g frozen bacon pieces
  • 100g frozen onions (or chopped fresh)
  • 80g rice noodles
  • 1 egg
  • chinese 5 spice mix
  • soy sauce
  • frozen veg
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp crushed ginger

Method:
Soak rice noodles in boiling water while your big frypan/wok is getting hot.
Scramble one egg in a little olive oil and put aside.
Add a couple of tsp olive oil and fry onion for a few mins, then add bacon (I add while still frozen), garlic and ginger.
If it starts to stick, add a few TB of water
Meanwhile microwave frozen mince for 1 min to defrost, then add to pan.
Microwave frozen vegies until just defrosted. I used approx 1 cup beans, 1/2 c corn, 1/2 c mint peas.
Sprinkle the mince/onion/bacon mix with Chinese 5 spice mix (a good couple of tsp) and add a splash of soy and a splash of water.
Add vegies and stirfry for a few mins.
Drain noodles. I cut mine up a bit with scissors. Add to pan, add scrambled egg mix, cook a min or 2 and serve (optional - drizzle of soy)

Not on Core? The total of this recipe is 13.5 pts, plus points for corn or peas if used

Sunday, August 3, 2008

CORE Mexican Beef & Bean Pies


A lovely alternative to Tacos or burritos. They look good enough for company, are very tasty and 100% Core using Rye Mountain bread.
I've also included instructions for family friendly versions using tortillas and tasty cheese.
Serves: 6+ people, 12 pies (suggest serve 2 for adults, 1 for children)

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 500g premium beef mince (or savoury mince from freezer)
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tins 4 bean mix, or 1 of kidney beans and 1 of bean mix
  • 2 tin crushed tomatoes
  • 4 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 20 - 30 drops Tabasco (30 was quite mild - we poured hot chili sauce over the top for some "kick")
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • Rye Mountain bread to keep Core (Corn Tortillas for the family) - 1 or 2 each person
  • shredded lettuce, about 2 cups
  • 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • cottage cheese for Core (grated tasty cheese for the family)
  • Optional - grated carrot

Method:
In a large pan, heat the oil and fry mince, onions and garlic until brown.
Add beans, tomatoes, spices, corn and 1 can worth of water. Add 10 drops of Tabasco sauce to start. Simmer for 10-15 mins until most fluid is absorbed. Test "heat" and add more Tabasco if needed.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 180*C
Drape mountain bread or tortillas inside cup oven proof bowls. I used pasta/noodle bowls.
Bake for 10 mins until golden (15 for tortillas).
Put the shells onto plates, line with shredded lettuce and carrot.
Spoon beef and bean mix in middle, top with cheese and tomato.
Optional - if you like it hot, drizzle hot chilli sauce over the top

Not on Core? Each pie is approx 3.5 points

Baking the shells




Saturday, August 2, 2008

CORE Risotto with Chargrilled Capsicums


Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 250 g premium beef mince
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 tin diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (try mint)
  • 1-2 cups frozen or grated vegies
  • Italian herbs mix
  • 4 beef stock cubes
  • 4 tsp olive oil
  • 2 TB tomato paste
  • chargrilled capsicums, sliced into strips (about 1 1/2 capsicums)
Method:
Fry beef, onion and garlic in large nonstick pot with 1tsp oil and put aside.
Using same pan, turn down to medium, add the remaining oil and the dry rice.
Stir to coat with oil, and fry for about 3 or 4 minutes.
Add 2 cups of water and beef stock and simmer for 10 minues until most water has absorbed.
Add tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for another 5-10 minutes, adding a splash more water if it looks a little dry.
Add frozen or grated vegies, beef mix, capsicums and a good sprinkle of italian herbs mix and cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
Again, add a little water if it starts to stick.

Not on Core? The total for this recipe is approx 26 points

Friday, August 1, 2008

CORE Shepherds Pie

Instructions are for individual bowls, but you can make one to share
Pictured with optional cheese
Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
  • 500g premium mince (or savoury mince mix with garlic and onion from the freezer)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 5 cups frozen or chopped fresh vegies
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 4 TB tomato paste
  • 2 TB gravy powder
  • 500g potato, peeled, chopped into 1cm cubes
  • nonfat milk
  • mixed herbs/Italian herbs 1 tsp
  • cracked pepper
  • Optional - sprinkle top of each bowl with 15g Coon Light and Tasty Cheese (1.5 pts)

Method:
Put potato onto boil. When done, drain and mash with a drizzle of nonfat milk.
Meanwhile, cook mince with garlic and onion until brown.
Steam vegies in a large microwave bowl.
Add mince mix to warm vegies, add tomato paste, gravy and herbs and microwave for a few minutes. note - if vegies were fairly dry, add a few TB of water to allow the gravy to form.
Spoon vegies and mince into 4 bowls. Top with mashed potato and smooth down.
Using a fork, draw lines or squiggles on top of potato.
Top with cheese if using.
Place under hot grill for a few minutes to brown the potato/cheese.
Remove with oven mitts and serve.

Not on Core? The total of this recipe is approx 23 points (5.5 pts each)
You can reduce points value by using a bit less less mince or potato

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Tip 2 - Frozen Savoury Mince

Cook up a few kilos of premium beef mince with garlic and onions.
Portion into snaplock bags and freeze in meal sized serves (eg 100-150g per family member). For a household of 2, I usually package in 250-300g bags


You can make dozens of meals in a real hurry when you have savoury mince.


Some ideas:
  • Spaghetti Bolognaise
  • "Hamburgers" - defrost beef on low, stir through a egg or 2 and fry in egg rings
  • Hokkien noodles (use frozen vegies and soy sauce - yum)
  • Wraps - warm mince, cottage cheese (low fat cheddar if you're happy to use some points), salad.
  • Beef Yiros (souvlaki, donner, gyro etc) lettuce, tomato and Hommus or fat free ranch dressing (0.5pt for 2 TB Kraft 99% FF)
  • Minestrone soup
  • Chilli con carne
  • Cottage / Shepherds pie
  • Pastie slices - 2 rye mountain breads on top of each other for strength - diced canned tomatoes, defrosted frozen vegies and roll it up like a swiss roll (a little water to seal). Bake or nuke.
  • Out of sandwich meat for the family? This makes awesome sandwiches, but needs "something" to stick to the bread (cottage cheese, marg, BBQ/tomato sauce, relishes, mayo etc)
  • Tacos / burritos / tortillas. Mix in a can of 3 bean mix, cumin, chilli, some tomato, lettuce, salsa and cheese. (I use rye mountain bread and cottage to stay pure Core)

From HIGHSCHOOLTEACHER

  • With a little tomato paste, savoury mince is greta in jaffles (mg bread of course)
  • Add some curry poweder or curry paste and serve with rice - good for the nights you're in a hurry but want something a little spicy.
  • Meatballs (to add to pasta and tomato sauce) - by adding some cooked rice and an egg to the mix, shaping into balls and broning in a frypan.
  • Cooking up portions of minced lamb or even chicken (ask the butcher to run a couple of trimmed chicken breasts through the mincer) makes a nice change. The lamb is lovely with tomatoes, sliced eggplant and LF ricotta ( a sort of moussaka) while the chicken makes tasty patties etc.