Ostrich Chili Soup

So, as I've said before, with BFL, I've been cooking far more than ever before and trying out some new recipes. I'll be honest, they're not all great, but there are a few shining stars that will become staples from hence forth :)

And now I thought I'd share the winners with all of you too! My first favourite is the Ostrich Chili Soup ... I'm reminded because I've just had a bowl for lunch and it was (as always!) delish.

Now, keep in mind, for those of you a little nervous about the use of Ostrich or those of you overseas who don't have access to this healthy meat, it's not a requirement. You can use normal beef mince too and I'm sure it tastes just as lovely :)

Note: The original recipe is in blue ... I've left my updates (as you can see there are many) in black for your eating pleasure!


Ingredients (to make 4 lunch-sized portions):

• 250 gram minced ostrich
  
• 1 can Mexican stewed tomatoes (I use the All Gold Mexican Tomatoes)
  
• 1 can chicken broth (I use the make-it-yourself chicken stock cubes)
  
• ½ 1 can dark red kidney beans
  
• ½ 1 can garbanzo butter beans (I'm keen to try it with some other variations too!)
  
• Chili powder, to taste (approx. ½ tablespoon) (I use a splash of the Bandito's Pickled Jalapeno Pepper's oil instead, works wonders!)
  
• a handful of sliced celery

Brown ostrich in sauce pan. Add tomatoes and chicken broth all other ingredients to a medium sized pot while the ostrich is browning. Stir. Dump beans into strainer. Run water through until water runs clear. (I don't bother with anything more than tipping out most of the bean-liquid beforehand) Add beans to soup. Flavour with chili powder. Add ostrich to soup once browned. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes before serving.

As an alternative, add 2 stalks cut celery, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, and 1 diced jalapeno pepper.

This soup can be stored in your fridge and heated in the microwave :)

Will try to remember to take a photo next time I make it (there will definitely be a next time!) and post it here. Enjoy :)