Family friendly chili con carne

I constructed this meal one night when I was feeling particularly lazy but still wanted a decent home cooked dinner. It is therefore nice and easy to prepare, easy on the wallet and, since it actually lacks any chili at all, perfect for kids.

It’s naturally gluten-free and you can also omit the yoghurt and cheese for a vegan friendly version.

Not to mention it is super yummy!

Serves 5-6

Ingredients

• 1 cup of uncooked rice
• 500g beef mince
• 1 tin mixed beans
• 2 tins diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tomato
• 1/2 tin corn
• Handful of coriander (optional)
• 1/3 cup red onion
• Corn chips to serve
• Greek yoghurt to serve (omit for vegan meal)
• Grated cheese to serve (optional/omit for vegan meal)

Method

1. Cook 1 cup of rice. ( I use brown rice but any rice will do).
2. Cook beef mince in a fry pan.
3. Once meat is cooked add 2 tins of diced tomatoes and mixed beans. Season with cumin and paprika and mix well. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile prepare the salsa by combining the corn, red onion (diced), fresh tomato (diced) and coriander in a bowl.
5. To serve place a small portion of rice in a bowl, top with beef mixture then grated cheese if you desire, followed by salsa and a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt. Eat with corn chips.

 

Butter me up, I love brunch

I’m a firm believer that weekends are for brunching, and although it sometimes takes a bite sized piece out of my pay check each week I have no regrets about catch up dates that involve muesli or eggs in one of Perth’s many delightful breakfast spots.

The weekend just gone was spent like many. Saturday morning Lauren and I fitted in a triathlon training swim, a nice slow 1.2km for me that morning as I felt I may have pushed myself right to the edge with exercise during the week.

Then we headed out for that all important post-workout refuel to one of my favourite places in Joondalup Health Freak Cafe (there is one also located in Scarborough).

I love going to a place where I know that I can’t go wrong with anything on the menu because all the meals are packed full of goodness.

On this occasion I opted to try something new and ordered the paleo zucchini bread topped with an avocado and tomato salsa and a poached egg and surrounded by a capsicum sauce. The zucchini bread was quite plain on its own but under the salsa and egg it was delicious and so lovely and moist. I could still happily eat the bread on its own though as I love hearty snacks and don’t mind things lacking in sweetness now that my tastebuds have adjusted to a less sugar filled diet.

I also couldn’t go past my favourite Cookies and Cream smoothie despite the $10 price tag. It’s so great drinking something that tastes amazing and sweet but is so good for you. The smoothie includes a banana, dates, almonds, coconut, chia, cacao nibs and coconut milk. Yum!

On Sunday morning I enjoyed another delicious catch up with a lovely friend at Joondalup’s Gipsy Boy Boutique. This was the third time I’ve been here and the third great experience.

Not only does this place do awesome breakfast but they also offer a great range of designer clothes for sale that are all amazing. Twice I have succumbed to the quality and beauty of their garments and walked away with something, but this time I put on a strong face and walked out with just a satisfied belly.

Yesterday I enjoyed their avocado and vegemite on toast with house beans on the side (I love beans and definitely recommend these).I’ve never had the avocado and vegemite combination before but it was a winner, the saltiness is a great addition to the avo. I also love the rye bread this place does, nice small but thick slices that are perfect for the toppings.

It may be only Monday but i’m already looking forward to new brunches this weekend!