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Mexican-ish Mince Tortillas

I'm sure there are many Mexicans who would shoot me at high noon for this recipe as it's not exactly authentic. It all started with an idea from a recipe card and ended up with a mix of ingredients from Mexico, Italy & Hungary! Again, this is only a guide so feel free to adjust to your own preferences. This is a gloriously gooey and messy dish and I hope you enjoy it.

(Serves 2 hungry people)

You will need:
Half lb. (approx. 230 grams) beef or turkey mince
1 tin of whole, plum tomatoes - organic are best
1 red onion, chopped
4-6 cloves of crushed garlic (to your own taste)
2 tablespoons of a good tomato puree
1 teaspoon of a good chilli paste (you can use real chillies but this is quicker and just as good)
2 heaped tablespoons of Paprika Salt & freshly ground pepper
A little olive oil for frying

To Serve:
6 Flour Tortillas
1 carton of guacamole
Grated Cheese
1 carton of Sour Cream or Crème Fraiche

1. Heat the oil and fry the onion & garlic, seasoned well with the pepper and salt, until the onion is soft. (Add the chillies here if you are using real ones)
2. Add the mince and the chilli paste and fry until browned.
3. Add the tomato puree and the tomatoes. You will need to cut the tomatoes up lightly with a knife in the pan. It is a good idea to add a pinch of sugar now too, as tinned tomatoes can be quite acidic.
4. Bring the mixture to a slight boil and then add the Paprika stirring to mix. Turn the heat down and leave to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how hungry you are.
5. While your sauce is simmering, grate about half a standard block of cheese and place in a bowl. Open your cartons of guacamole & sour cream/cr¸me fraiche and stick spoons into them. Heat your Tortillas according to packet instructions and put on a plate.
6. When you are ready to eat, divide the mince between two plates and serve. You can then eat your tortilla anyway you wish but I like it this way:
-Put cheese in middle of tortilla
- Scoop mince sauce on top
-Follow with the guacamole & lots of cream/crème
-Then fold up & eat - yum!

by

Anita Kiely
17th March 2002

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