Ingredients
Scale
Let’s gather our ingredients, much like I would with my mum in our quaint Devon kitchen. Each item here serves a purpose, weaving together flavors and memories.
- 500g ground beef (or your preferred meat substitute for a vegetarian option)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon — a nod to my own name and a touch of warmth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Your choice of cooked pasta or rice, to serve
Instructions
Creating this dish is a journey, one filled with the scents and sights that take me back to my childhood kitchen adventures.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. This first sizzle is much like the crackle of a fireplace on a chilly Devon evening.
- Add the garlic and bell pepper, sautéing until the pepper softens and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. As a child, I learned that patience is key — let the flavors meld together.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare your pasta or rice according to package instructions.
- Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over pasta or rice, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy as the warmth and flavors envelop you, much like a comforting hug from home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
