SPICE IT UP!

With a slight chill still in the air, pack a punch with some spice and chilli with these quick dinner ideas.

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ONE-POT CHILLI CON CARNE MEATBALLS

These meatballs are packed with added vegetables and beans, giving your meal an extra boost of nutrients.

The sauce is quite mild, but you can add more chilli for an extra kick. SERVES 4-6

FOR THE MEATBALLS

800g beef mince

2 tsp (10ml) each ground coriander and cumin

1 tsp (5ml) salt

Dash milled pepper

½ punnet (10g) parsley, chopped

3 Tbsp (45ml) olive or canola oil, for frying

FOR THE SAUCE

1 large onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tbsp each ground coriander, ground cumin and paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper or chilli flakes

1 can (400g) peeled and chopped tomatoes

1 can (400g) tomato purée

1 can (400g) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (400g) corn kernels, rinsed and drained

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp cocoa powder

FOR SERVING

Coriander or parsley

Lime or lemon juice

Tortilla chips or rice

Sour cream (optional)

METHOD

1. Combine meatball ingredients in a bowl.

2. Roll mixture into golf-ball-sized balls.

3. Heat half the oil in a large pan over high heat.

4. Fry meatballs in batches until browned and crisp all over, about 3-5 minutes. (Don't crowd the pan or they will steam instead.)

5. Remove and set aside.

6. Add remaining oil to pan then sauté onion and red pepper for about 5 minutes, until softened.

7. Add garlic and spices, fry for a minute, then add remaining sauce ingredients.

8. Cook for 2-3 minutes.