You will need.........
(This will make enough portions for 4 people!!)
2 Butternut Squash, halved down their length and with the seeds removed. Brush the squashes all over with a little oil and put in a pre-heated oven to cook for about 45 minutes or until soft. (200degreesC or Gas 6.) Alternatively you could use Baked Potatoes.
For the Home-made Chilli Con Carne....
500g. (Just over 1lb.) Lean Minced Beef.
1 Large Onion.
Dried Crushed Chillis to taste. (One level teaspoonful will make it VERY hot!!)
2 teaspoons of Paprika.
4 teaspoons of Cumin powder.
One and a half teaspoons of Cocoa Powder. (NOT Drinking Chocolate!!)
A large squirt of Tomato Puree. (or 2 or 3 extra teaspoons from a jar.)
400g. Tin of Chopped Tomatoes with the juice.
400g. Tin of Kidney Beans, drained and washed.
Coriander, chopped, for a garnish.
Salt and Pepper.
A little water if the mix becomes too thick.
Side Salad items.
Of course you can vary all the above extra ingredients according to taste.
Method:
Heat a little oil in a deep frying pan and gently cook the onions until soft.
Stir in the Chillies and Cumin and gently fry with the Onions for another few minutes.
Add the mince and cook until lightly browned, breaking up any large lumps.
Stir in the Tomatoes, Beans, and Tomato Puree.
Simmer and cook slowly, adding a little water if the mixture becomes too stiff.
Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
Add in the Paprika.
As the mixture is now simmering, and flavours blending, sprinkle the Cocoa Powder over the mixture and stir in.
Not long before serving add in some of the Chopped Coriander, but leave some for the Garnish!
Serving:
When cooked, hollow out the Butternut Squash down its length and mash this in with the Chilli Con Carne. Stir. Put a few dollops of this Chiili into the hollow and garnish with some Coriander. Serve with Watercress, Spinach or Salad.
WOW!! That really is some TASTY Chilli Con Carne!!!
Who wants seconds?!! Is there any left?!!
