Creamy Beef & Mushroom Stroganoff

This week's recipe is super nutritious and easy to prepare, and one of our most popular meals with children and teachers alike:)

Creamy Beef & Spinach Stroganoff

Recipe by Clean Plate

Serves 2 adults and 2 children OR (10 pre-schoolers)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp Olive oil  (or alternative)        

• 1   Onion, finely chopped

• 2 Celery stalks, finely chopped

• 1  Carrot, finely diced

• ½ kg  Beef mince, lean             

• 1  tsp   Garlic, crushed  

• 200 g  Button mushrooms, roughly diced

• 1  tsp     Thyme (optional)

• 1 tsp       Paprika

• 1 Tbsp   Tomato paste   

• 1 Tbsp    White flour        

• 200 ml Beef stock                 

• 375 ml   Evaporated cream (or 300 ml Fresh cream)

• 375 g   Small pasta shells

• 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste*

  *Omit seasoning if serving to children under one year old.

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Method:

1. In a large frying pan, heat up the half of the olive oil and add the onion, celery and carrot. Cook the vegetables gently, over a medium-low heat, for 5 - 10 minutes or until softened. Remove from the pan and reserve.

2. In the same frying pan, heat up the remaining olive oil and brown the mince. When the meat starts releasing juices, add the reserved cooked vegetables and crushed garlic. Cook for a minute and, when fragrant, add the mushrooms. If you have any fresh thyme growing in the garden, you can add a sprig of it at this point. It’ll give a lovely aroma and taste to the stroganoff.

3. When the mushrooms have softened, add the the paprika, followed by the tomato paste and the flour, stirring in between each addition and cooking the flour for a few minutes, before adding the stock and water.

4. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens. At this point, use your judgement - if the sauce is too thick, add a little more water, and if it’s watery, let it bubble for a few minutes, to reduce some of the liquid before adding the evaporated cream.

5. Simmer for a few minutes and check seasoning.

6. Meanwhile, cook the pasta, following the packet instructions. 

7. Combine the mince and mushroom stroganoff with the cooked pasta and parsley, and serve immediately.

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Dietary Information:

This recipe is Nut Free and Egg Free

To make it Gluten Free: Use gluten free flour and serve with gluten free pasta, rice  or mashed vegetables               
To make it Dairy Free:  Omit evaporated cream (or cream)
To make it Vegetarian: Substitute beef mince for cooked lentils, drained

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