stretching food

Well today i've been making another batch of what i call mince mix, yes it doesn't sound appetizing but it is really nice.


After much reading on how to bulk out minced meat / vegie mince i read about using red lentils and how they provide added protein and lentils also count towards your a five a day. Great stuff.


So here's my mince mix recipe


500g of minced meat
2 medium sized onions (sliced and chopped)
5 small carrots chopped into small cubes or grated
2 tins of tomatoes
250 grams of red lentils
4 pints of tap water


Fry onions till softened, add the mince and cook till browned.
Then add the carrots, give it a stir, then add the red lentils. 

Stir then add the two tins of tomatoes, put water into the tins to get the last of tomatoes out and bung them 
in the pan.
Add seasoning , i normally use black pepper and garlic powder.

Bring to boil and let it simmer till fully cooked.
Remember to keep checking on it as you may need to add more water as the lentils soak up quite a lot of 

liquid.


Once cooked let it cool down and then separate into tubs ready the next few meals.

As its cooked it last a few months in the freezer. Just defrost on the day you want it and away you go.


I normally make between 4 and 6 meals from this, which is enough for 2 adults and two children.


The mince can then be used to make chilli (just add kidney beans), lasagne, spaghetti bolognese. 
Basically anything tomato based.


Enjoy :)