Vegetarian Chilli

Hi all,

last and final post of the day. Our friend Julian visited on Sunday, mainly to lend Deano Call of Duty 4 and let him moan to him about how rubbish I was for taking him ice skating in the first place! If I hear 'Ice Skating at your age' once more......

This is one of those meals that you can cook and talk to your friends at the same time, it's easy to do and is quick.

Onion - cut into half moons

peppers - I used 1/2 red, green and yellow - cut into thin strips

Mushrooms (about 10) - cut in half

Packet of Quorn mince or you could use meaty mince - I read somewhere that authentic chilli is actually made from cubed meat not mince.

2 x tins chopped tomatoes or you could use the equivalent of real tomatoes skinned and seeded

Thyme & bay leaves

2 x cloves of garlic

Tomato puree

Smoked paprika powder

Dried, flaked chilli flakes

Tin of kidney beans - drained and washed

Fry onions and peppers until soft then add the mince

Add tomatoes and a bit of water

Simmer for about 5 mins and add about a tablespoon of tomato puree and the thyme (about 3 springs, taking the leaves off)

Add mushrooms & beans (you could add borlotti beans instead)

Add about a teaspoon of paprika powder and chilli to taste (you only need a few flakes at a time then taste until you are happy)

Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer for about 20 mins. If you are using meat then you could potentially simmer for hours as the cooking will only improve the flavour.

Serve with rice, tortilla, soured cream and cheese

Adios