Quick and Tasty Mince with Chickpeas

Sometimes, when life gets gets really hectic, a quick and easy meal that just comes together easily and tastes delicious is such a bonus. 

I came up with this beef mince combination the other evening, and it was tasty, economical, healthy and all in one pot – what more could one ask for on a busy week-day evening! 

The flavours of slightly spicy beef and vegetables, (which give a slight nod to Morrocco for inspiration) and chickpeas all worked together so well, that I will definitely be making it again. 

I served it with cous cous, which was very good, but it would also be great on rice, or with some fresh, hot ciabatta bread – oh yum!

Here’s the recipe, a Fired Up Cooking SA original:

Tasty Mince with Chickpeas (serve 4-6)

Oil for frying

1 large onion, chopped

1 brinjal, cubed

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

500 grs beef mince

2 baby marrows, sliced

1 small punnet baby sweetcorn

a handful fresh chopped coriander leaves

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

salt and freshly ground pepper

1 sachet tomato paste (3-4 tablespoons)

• Salt the cubed brinjals, set a side for few minutes
• Heat the oil in a heavy-based pot, and fry the onions until transparent
• Add the garlic, stir well
• Rinse and dry the brinjals, add to the onions and garlic,  fry until softened
• Add the beef mince (you may need to add a little more oil), and fry until browned
• Break the sweetcorn into chunks, and add to the meat along with the baby marrows, stirring and frying a little more
• Add the spices and seasoning, and the tomato paste
• Stir through the chopped coriander
• Turn down the heat, and leave to simmer for a few minutes, adding a little water if it seems to be catching, so that it doesn’t burn
• Drain and rinse the tin of chickpeas, add them just before serving and heat through thoroughly
• Check the seasoning, and serve

Enjoy!

Chickpeas