Spicy Middle Eastern Meat Mix

This meat mix is incredibly versatile. It can be eaten as is with either rice or couscous, or try one of the following variations:

• Add more tomatoes, chilli and a can of beans to make a great Chilli Bean Beef.

• Add less tomato to make a topping for an authentic Turkish pizza.

• add some toasted pine nuts to make a superb filling for Lady Fingers - delicate filo pastry filled with meat mix and wrapped into finger-size pastries - perfect party or dinner party food and sure to be popular!

Recipe

1 1/2 kg beef mince
4 onions, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 to 5cm fresh ginger, very finely chopped
30 dates, chopped
375g can tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
(4 tsp of good Baharat spice mix may be substituted for all of the above spices)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Brown mince in olive oil in batches and transfer to a large saucepan. Brown the onions. When starting to soften, add garlic and ginger and cook until soft. Add spices and cook for a few minutes or until very fragrant. Add to mince in saucepan. Add dates and tomatoes and cook slowly for one hour. Add vinegar and salt to taste. Cook for a further 10 mins.