Beef Tacos with Guacamole and Tomato Salsa

I have been dining in one of my favourite local restaurants Judge Roy Beans set in the heart of Newbridge town, Co. Kildare for quite some time now. Its the popular restaurant of choice among many friends and family when meeting for family get together's or friendly catch ups. It has a great menu with an extensive range of dishes to choose from that is suitable for all ages. They specialise in a range of American style dishes but unlike many other restaurants in the surrounding area they also go one step further and branch into Mexican food. My favourite dish is the mouth watering chili beef nachos they serve, they are just delicious. Often when I get out of bed I have what I call a "Judge Roy Beans day". This is where I get out of bed knowing that I have to go there for food and will frantically phone all of my friends to see if they are available for a catch up. Its even better when there is a new movie out as I can entice them by saying "but they have the movie deal so we can go to the cinema too and it's free". The movie deal is €16.95 for a main course and a cinema ticket or €19.95 for a starter, main course and cinema ticket in the cinema directly opposite in the Whitewater Shopping Centre. This usually always does the trick.

So the other day was one of my many Judge Roy Bean day's. However this time it was bad timing as it's exam time for many of my friends. As always I rang a few of my friends but unfortunately this time my luck had run out. Rather than spend the whole day moaning about how I wasn't going to get my Mexican fix I decided to make a Mexican feast at home with all the Judge Roy Bean trimmings. Although I love chili beef nachos I was cooking for my family therefore I had to suit everyone's needs. I decided to create Beef tacos with guacamole and tomato salsa. They went down an absolute treat with the family. It was just like dining out except for the excellent service and of course I had to clean up when the meal was over. The next time you fancy a Mexican feast try my delicious beef taco recipe or if you fancy taking the easy way out head to Judge Roy Beans, you wont be disappointed!

Ingredients:

500 gram quality minced beef
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 large onion (finely diced)
1 red pepper (chopped finely)
1 green pepper (chopped finely)
2 tbsp coriander (chopped)
250 ml beef stock
6 tbsp tomato puree
Sea salt and black pepper

Guacamole
2 avocados
1 onion (finely chopped)
1tbsp coriander
2 tbsp sour cream
Juice of half a lime

Tomato Salsa
2 tomatoes (chopped finely)
2 spring onions (finely diced)
1 tbsp chili (chopped finely)
1 tbsp coriander (finely chopped)
Juice of half a lime

To serve
12 taco shells
Spring onion (diced)
Grated cheese


Method:
1. Saute the onion and garlic in a frying pan using the olive oil. Add the mince to the pan and fry until golden brown. Add the peppers and continue to cook until the veg is softened. Stir in the tomato puree and add the stock. Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile for the guacamole, combine the avocados, onion, coriander, sour cream and lime juice in a bowl. Pound the ingredients together using a pestle and mortar or alternatively you can blitz them slightly in a mini food processor.
3. To make the salsa, mix the tomatoes, spring onion, chili, coriander and lime juice in a small bowl.
4. To serve, place the taco shells on a baking tray and put them in the oven for 3-4 minutes. Fill the shells with beef filling, guacamole, salsa, cheese and garnish with spring onion.

Best Wishes,

Sarah xx

Peri Peri, Chili and Lime Burgers

Although many of us eat burgers all year round, they really come into fashion in the summer months. It is evident that when the sun comes out, we cant seem to get enough of them. Barbeque's are often associated with a warm climate and outdoor weather. Burgers are the prime food often served at barbeque's and for that reason I think it is important to make your own, as it also gives an individual the opportunity to imply your a "dab hand" in the kitchen even if your not.

With the recent sunny weather we have been having there has been a huge surge in the amount of barbeque's. Almost every second person is leaving their workplace, school or home with the intention of hosting a barbeque. It is now more of a social gathering rather than a meal. Although people do not attend for the quality of food on offer, I believe there is no point hosting a 'good' event with 'bad' food. Burgers are both cheap and simple to make, so the next time your planning your barbeque put your skills to the test and make your own.


Ingredients

450g quality minced beef
1 large free range egg (lightly beaten)
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 large onion (finely diced)
2 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)
1-2 tbsp fresh chili (chopped)
2 tbsp peri peri sauce
Juice of half a lime
60g breadcrumbs
Sea salt and black pepper
Olive oil
(serves 4)

To serve

Sliced tomatoes
Lettuce
Burger buns

Method

1.  Place the mince in a large bowl. Chop the chilli as well as the coriander and add. Dice the onion finely, crush the garlic and add. Add the lime juice and the peri peri sauce. Lightly beat the egg and add to the mixture. Add in the breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Mix all the ingredients and divide into 4 portions. Pat each portion into a round shape approx 1 inch thick. Drizzle the burgers with a little olive oil. Allow the burgers to chill for a short period so that they will become firm.

3. Place the burgers on grill tray and grill in the oven for 10 minutes on each side or until the burgers are cooked through.

4. Serve the burger on a burger bun with some lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Enjoy!

Best Wishes,

Sarah xx