Recipe 33: Quick Stew - Joss Style

I used to love steak. Growing up on a farm allowed me to appreciate meat- knowing where it came from, how the animal was raised and ultimately how it was culled. However, ever since my pregnancy I cannot stomach the thought of steak. I can handle meat in stews etc, but not by itself.

So when hubby cooked up rump steak last night, I could barely stomach the thought of eating it. I didn't want to waste it, so what was left (which wasn't much after the man had a go at it) was quickly and easily made into a stew for lunch. 

Quick Stew

Left over meat - chopped
Frozen mixed vegetables
Boiled Potatoes (again left over from the night before)
1 tsp Gravy mix (or cornflour to thicken up)
1 cup Water
Pepper and Salt (for taste)
1 tsp Chilli powder



METHOD

1. Add Chopped meat with water bring to boil
2. Reduce heat and add frozen mixed vegetables, also add chopped potatoes. Cook for 6 minutes at a simmer until the veges are cooked.
3. Add 1 tsp chilli powder and 1 tsp Gravy mix (I use gravox) to make a thick sauce (add more water if you want it more runny). Taste and add salt and pepper for taste.

Recipe 26: Country Style Meat Patties

Growing up in literally the middle of nowhere meant no takeaway food.
However, since moving to Melbourne I can't seem to stop myself wanting to eat out Western, Eastern, Indian, you name it- I want to absorb the flavours. Perhaps it is because I never had it as a child and now, I want to make up for lost time.... or more than likely, am just so god damn lazy.
But, this blog isn't about how great restaurant food is. This is a place where I can solely focus on recipes that 'warm the heart', 'feed the stomach' and 'make you feel contented' without breaking the bank.

So takeaway night, is generally now 'home pizza night'. Although one recipe I have perhaps failed to write up earlier is my homemade burgers. So simple , so cheap and always a winner- I am only going to give the meat patty recipe, as obviously just after cooking a meat patty, you grill some buns (or toast some bread), add some lettuce, tomato, pineapple, (Bacon and an Egg if you want the "works"), mayo, tomato sauce and cheese, and you have got yourself a 'healthy' burger.

Country style Meat Patties

Makes about 8 patties

1 onion finally diced
Handful of dry mixed herbs - Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Basil, Oregano ad Sage (or herbs of your choice)
500g Beef mince
1 egg
2 cups of breadcrumbs

METHOD

1. Combine the mince, onion and herbs together with hands until all mixed in. Season with salt and Pepper.
2. Add egg and mix in with hands
3. Add breadcrumbs slowly, (depending on the quality of the mince and the size of the egg, you may need less or more of the breadcrumbs.) you want to keep on adding until you can put the mince into balls without a) them falling apart (too much breadcrumbs) or b) mince slipping through your hands (too little breadcrumbs). IF you get to the stage where they are falling apart as you have added too much breadcrumbs, just add another egg.
4. Once at the right consistency to your liking, flatten out into patty shapes and either cook straight away - or I recommend popping them in the fridge for a few minutes to let them set. Then cook just like you would with a brought one- hot pan, flipping over when golden brown.