Chilli Meatballs on a Tomato Rice

A few years ago we started eating less meat. I decided to start buying our meat from a local butchers. The butchers sell grass fed and herb fed meat. The farms they source from are regenerative in their nature. It means that all of the meat purchased benefits the natural ecosystem and develops land for the future. The butchers will only ever support pasture-raised animals, grass-fed meat, organic and free range meat.

My belief is the better the quality the meat, the more our bodies will thrive from it. Plus when I buy meat like this I feel that I'm helping the planet and the environment we live in. It's slightly more expensive than buying from the supermarket but I know we are eating good quality.

That's why we only eat meat at the weekend so we can afford to buy slightly better quality. When I make meals like this one the taste is always sublime. If you can afford to, switching to grass and herb fed meat, I believe will have a lot of health benefits for the planet and the people living on it. Below is a video and recipe for you.

Chilli Meatballs on a Tomato Rice

Gifts from Grandpa is my NEW recipe book – out NOW and available to buy on Amazon for only £19.99. Plus £1 from the sale of each book will go to Crisis the homeless charity.

Serves 4

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Potato peeler
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Tablespoon
  • Teaspoon
  • Baking tray
  • Saucepan
  • Stirring spoon

Ingredients for the chilli meat balls

  • Mince Beef
  • Onion x 1
  • Kidney beans x 1 400g tin
  • Carrot x 1 large
  • Ground Flax seed x 6 - 8 tbsps (or breadcrumbs)
  • Egg x 1
  • Mild or hot chilli powder x 1 tsp
  • Ground ginger x 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin x 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander x 1 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon x 1/2 tsp
  • Dried mixed herbs x 1 tsp
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method for the chilli meatballs

  • Preheat the oven to 180ºC and add the tray at the same time.
  • Start by peeling, slicing and finely chopping the onion.
  • Peel the carrot and finely grate it.
  • Add the chopped onion and grated carrot to the bowl along with the mince beef.
  • Drain the beans through the colander and put the beans into the bowl with the mince beef.
  • Next add the mild or hot chilli powder, coriander, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, dried mixed herbs and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Crack the eggs and add it to the mixing bowl.
  • Using your hands, scrunch all the ingredients together.
  • Once they are well mixed, make the mixture into 12 - 16 meatballs burgers.
  • Remove the preheated tray from the oven and put the burgers in.
  • Let them cook for 25 - 30 minutes and remove once browned on the outside.

Ingredients for the Tomato Quinoa

  • Rice x 200g
  • Spring onions x 1 bunch
  • Courgette x 1
  • Tinned tomatoes x 2 400g tins
  • Bone broth or chicken stock x 500mls
  • Tamari x 2 tbsp
  • Tomato puree x 2 tbsp
  • Oregano x 2 tsp
  • Spinach, kale, green beans x 2 large handfuls
  • Salt and pepper

Method for Tomato Rice

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C or gas mark 4.
  • Wash the rice through the colander under the cold tap and set aside.
  • Peel the courgette and grate it.
  • Slice the spring onions into 1/2 centimetre pieces.
  • Put a large pan onto a high heat and add oil to the base of the pan.
  • When the pan has heated up, add the spring onions and fry until they become translucent.
  • Add the courgettes to the pan and continue to fry for a further few minutes.
  • Add in the rice and fry for a minute or so.
  • Pour in the tomatoes and the broth or stock.
  • Put the tamari and the tomato puree in as well.
  • Sprinkle in the oregano and the salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir these ingredients and then put the lid on.
  • Bring to the boil and then turn the heat to low and leave to simmer.
  • Once all the liquid has disappeared, the rice should be cooked.
  • Taste it to make sure and if it needs a few more minutes add a little water.
  • While the rice is simmering on the hob, put the chilli meatballs in the oven and cook for about 25 - 30 minutes.
  • Add in the spinach to the rice and let it wilt down.
  • Finally serve and enjoy.
Chilli Meatballs on a Tomato Rice

Chilli Meatballs on Tomato Rice was a big hit in this house. My husband Howard and son Ted enjoyed their dinner the other evening. Plates were so clean I could have put them back into the cupboard!! Only joking. These are great meals to store in the freezer. You could make this meal in advance of a meal and store it in the freezer or fridge. Also any leftovers, apart from the rice, could be stored in the freezer. Plus it's a very easy meal to prepare and cook. However you decide to eat this meal, as always, please enjoy! Thank you xxx