Once upon a time when Mama's fledglings were little, she often spoiled them with this lip-smacking Beef & Veg Hot Pot. They even ate all their vegetables as it was covered with a hearty gravy.
Nowadays, it's only her, Papa Bear & Granny Bear, so they always have leftovers as it makes a big pot.
As an aside, I will briefly tell you about a South African dish called Potjiekos which is similar to a hot pot, but the difference is that it's cooked outdoors in a black cast iron pot over a fire, and is the menfolk's specialty.
All the guests sit and eat around the fire with a glass of red wine (or Beer for the guys); a very cosy affair with conversation going deep into the night!
Potjiekos competitions are very popular, often in aid of charity.
A delicious oxtail potjie prepared by Mama's fledgling
But back to our Hearty Beef & Veg Hot Pot.
Ingredients required for 5-6 servings, total cost ZAR 75,00
500gram Beef Shin
1 Onion
1 clove Garlic
2 Potatoes
2 Carrots
Handful green Beans
Small punnet Mushrooms
Half Butternut
Fresh Rosemary
200ml Coke (any fizzy Cola drink)
1 Beef Stock Cube
Brown Onion or Oxtail Soup Powder
Method: Sautee diced Onions & crushed Garlic in a little Oil.
Cube the meat.
Add cubed beef to onions and brown meat whilst stirring.
Pour the Coke into pot - this tenderises the meat.
Dissolve stock cube into hot water and pour into pot, add Rosemary and cook over a low heat for about an hour or till meat is tender. Replenish the water as meat must be covered at all times. Add seasoning of choice.
Add diced vegetables (remember you can add any veg of your choice at this stage).
Carrots go in first as they take a little longer to cook, then potatoes.
Butternut and beans are next.
Continue cooking over a low heat till veggies are almost done.
Add Mushrooms and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
Thicken with soup powder to make a lovely rich gravy.
Papa Bear as usual has been popping into the kitchen, nostrils flaring and lifting the lid, stealing tasty little tidbits, so Mama quickly dished up a serving for him before all the best bits disappear.
Lovely satisfying home-cooked meal.
Thank you for reading, Mama will be back next week with more fuss-free budget beaters to help you with your meal planning.
Please tell us or show us some of your budget beaters.
1. Cottage Pie or Shepherds Pie
2. Vegetarian Lentil Moussaka
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