Classic Chilli Con Carne

Boil a kettle

Peel and finely chop your brown onion[s]

Deseed your sweet pointed pepper[s] (scrape the seeds and pith out with a teaspoon) and cut into thin strips

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with a drizzle of olive oil over a medium heat

Once hot, add the pepper strips and chopped onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 3-4 min or until beginning to soften

Meanwhile, add your white long grain rice to a pot with a lid with 225ml [300ml] [450ml] cold water and bring to the boil over a high heat

Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low and cook, covered, for 12-15 min or until all the water has absorbed and the rice is cooked

Once done, remove from the heat and set aside (lid on) to steam until serving

Dissolve your beef stock mix and tomato paste in 250ml [325ml] [425ml] boiled water

Drain and rinse your black beans

Once the onion and pepper have softened, increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef mince with your ground cumin, ground smoked paprika, dried oregano and chilli flakes (cooking for kids? Skip the chilli!)

Cook for 3-4 min or until the beef mince is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go

Once the beef is browned, add the stock with the drained black beans and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper

Bring to the boil over a high heat and cook for 6-7 min further or until the sauce is thickened to a bolognese-like consistency and the beef is cooked through (no pink meat!) – this is your chilli con carne

Grate your cheddar cheese

Trim, then slice your spring onion[s] finely

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork

Tip: For extra indulgence, add a knob of butter to the rice