When I was growing up my favourite family meal was Chow Mein. I had no idea back then that this meal was not at all traditional, and, can honestly say that the first time I ordered it from a Chinese restaurant I was shocked by what was served. I felt duped. All my life I had been calling this delicious dish by a name which it clearly wasn’t. After I got over feeling duped, my love for this meal returned. Here is a quick, simple recipe.

I used the leftovers to make Chow Mein Pasties another night.

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 40 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g minced beef
• 1/2 large cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup rice
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup mixed veg
• 1 onion, diced
• 2-4 tsp curry powder
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 1 tbs oil
• salt, to taste

Method

1. In a very large frypan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions and mince to the pan and fry for 5 minutes until the onions have softened and the meat has browned.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the rice has cooked and the stock has reduced.
3. Season with salt and serve hot.