Potato & Beef Mix

One of the Swallow's young ones love beef, but eating beef on a regular basis can be costly.  So the Swallow compromises by using beef mince as a cheaper alternative.

Before her marriage, the Swallow's experience in the kitchen had been limited.  When she got married, and took up cooking on a regular basis (the way to a man's heart....), there were a few disasters now and then, but this was one dish that came with a good comment from her mate the first time she made it.

Served with bow pasta

POTATO & BEEF MIX (Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince
• 3 large potatoes, cubed
• 1 large carrot, cubed
• 1 can whole peeled tomatoes (about 400g), drained (keep the juice), and roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp oil
• dash of black pepper
• 1 tsp Chinese wine (optional)
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 pcs chilli padi, cut and seeds removed / Tabasco sauce (optional)
• salt, to taste

Method

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick deep pan over a medium fire.  Add onion and stir-fry until onion has softened.
2. Add carrots and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
3. Add potatoes and stir-fry until potatoes have been slightly coated with the oil.
4. Add 1 cup water and garlic, cover the pan, and cook for about 20 minutes.  Stir occasionally.
5. Add beef mince and mix well, breaking up any lumps.
6. Add tomatoes and mix well.
7. Add tomato juice, black pepper, Chinese wine, 1 cup of water and basil.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for another 10 minutes or until potatoes have softened.
8. Season with tomato sauce and worchestershire sauce.  Season, to taste, with salt.  Add chilli padi or Tabasco sauce if required.
9. Serve with cooked pasta (add cheese if required), or rice, or just enjoy it on its own.

Notes

• This dish tastes better when left sitting for some time.  Reheat thoroughly before serving.