Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the mince is beautifully browned all over, losing its raw, pink colour and developing a rich, caramelised aroma. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the mince aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely diced onions. Sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn translucent, taking on a pale, golden hue, which usually takes 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper, and green pepper. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly and release their sweet, earthy scent. The colours of the vegetables should become vibrant and inviting.
- Sprinkle the plain flour over the vegetables and stir well for 1 minute, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and cooks out, losing its raw flour smell. This step helps to thicken our sauce later.
- Return the browned beef mince to the pan. Add the smoked paprika, dried oregano, chilli powder (if using), and tomato purée. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and coat the meat and vegetables, releasing their aromatic oils. The mixture should smell wonderfully rich and smoky.
- Pour in the tinned chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for at least 20-25 minutes. The sauce should visibly thicken and deepen in colour, and the flavours will meld together beautifully, filling your kitchen with a hearty, savoury aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The flavour should be robust and well-balanced.
- To serve, spoon generous portions of the Diner-Style & Eggless mixture over thick-cut bread, toasted or fresh. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and colour.
Notes
For an extra kick, don't skip the chilli powder. Serving with toasted bread adds a delightful crunch. This dish reheats well and can be a great make-ahead option.
