MEATY RATATOUILLE

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1.1 lb (500g) lean ground beef

• 2 red onions, chopped into wedges

• 4 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1 aubergine, chopped

• 1 courgette, chopped

• 3 bell peppers, chopped

• 5 tomatoes, chopped

• bunch of basil, stalk and leaves

separated, chopped

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• dried thyme, to taste

• 14 oz. (400g) tin chopped tomatoes

• 2tbsp. tomato paste

• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

• 1⁄2 a lemon, zest

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Heat a dry nonstick pan over high heat and cook the beef until browned. Transfer to a dish and set aside.

Heat half the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add the aubergines, courgettes and peppers. Cook for 5 mins, then also transfer into a dish and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to the pan, and cook the onion, garlic, basil stalks and thyme for about 10 mins.

Next, add in the cooked veg and beef alongside the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Simmer the veg covered, over low heat for 35 minutes.

Lastly, add in the basil leaves, lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and serve.