Saturday Supper with Strictly!

This is the quickest chilli you'll ever make. Originally I came across it in Nigella's book “Nigella Express”.

As usual I tweaked it,

150g chorizo sausage, cut in half and

cut into small half moons (diced chorizo is available

and it's quicker)

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or

equivalent of roasted garlic paste

500g minced steak

½ tsp each of ground cumin, coriander and cinnamon

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 500g carton/jar of passata

60ml sweet chilli sauce

1 can of red kidney beans - 390g

or a can of spiced mixed beans if you prefer

¼ tsp chilli powder (optional)

salt and black pepper to taste

Before we go any further can I remind you of a recommendation I made in “Kitchen investments and Wednesday supper” :

“Many moons ago I invested in a frying pan (available with or without lid) that is suitable for use from hob to oven. It did not cost a fortune and has been worth its weight in gold. There are loads to choose from but, as a rough guide, approximately 30cms diameter costs £30ish. I've had mine for a few years now and the best recommendation I can give is that when it finally wears out I'd replace it immediately.”

If you made the investment and bought a family size pan, this is where it comes into its own. Before you begin your day's chores and errands, spend a few minutes with your frying pan and cook the supper.

Fry the chorizo on a medium heat so that it crisps and set aside. Add the onion and garlic until softened and then the cumin, coriander and cinnamon for 2 minutes to enable the spices to release their flavour. (Add the optional chilli too if desired). Add the minced steak and cook, breaking up the mince so that it is able to brown thoroughly.

Add the sweet chilli sauce and the passata and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Turn it off and cover with a lid and carry on with your day.

Fast forward to the evening. You have a choice - pre-heat your oven 180 fan/200c/Gas 6 and pop the chilli into the oven for 20 minutes so that you can get changed and pour yourself a glass of wine - or re-heat on the hob. WARNING – if you use the oven option take great care when removing the pan – I would suggest the chilli is served from a warmed bowl so that it avoids any chance of an accident.

Just before you're ready to serve sprinkle in 50g of dark chocolate – 50% cocoa solids works well - to enrich your chilli and then add the red kidney beans and warm through.

It's serve yourself night – a stack of bowls, with soft wraps together with guacamole and sour cream dips – or with rice (and you don't have to cook it – use frozen rice that can be microwaved) with potato wedges – with jacket potatoes – it's Saturday night – give yourself a break!