A favourite since childhood, this is simple food that couldn’t be easier to cook. By now you probably know that I think ‘peasant’ food is best.

It freezes very well and what’s more, you can eat it by itself or stretch it out using rice, bread, noodles or other starchy sides. One of my favourites is savoury mince and cheddar in a toasted sandwich.

I think this recipe has a couple of standard ingredients and then add whatever you like extra. Have fun and experiment :).

What are the essentials?

• beef mince
• potatoes
• carrot
• onion
• garlic
• chicken or beef stock (try Italian Beef Stock: Brodo Di Manzo)
• herbs like oregano, marjoram, thyme, bay leaves
• tomatoes or tomato paste
• pepper and salt to taste.

I also add red wine (boil it off of course) and anything else I have in my pantry or fridge that needs using.

Par-boil your potatoes:

Prepare your vegetables:

Sauté the onion in some olive oil:

Add the mince (browning it), herbs and stock (if using red wine bring to the boil) and then simmer until it is all reduced down to your liking:

This is the consistency I aim for:

Oh so tasty tonight and for tomorrow’s lunch:

I hope you like it,

PK