Vegetarian Nachos

Vegetarian nachos with tortilla chips

On the rare occasions that we do venture out to an eating establishment I am always surprised at how little some meals cost and yet other very simple dishes cost a fortune. My latest bugbear in pubs and restaurants is the fashion to serve nachos with a few dips and pretend this constitutes a meal. The last time we went out the pub was proudly advertising such dish for £6.95. I noticed this while I was tucking into my steak and mushroom baguette complete with chips which had cost just £5.95. So if you are going to have nachos this is the way to do. I've used vegetarian mince because it works just well as beef mince and it's cheaper. If it is not for you then of course use beef instead.

Getting some flavour into tomato based dishes can be a little tricky at times. I've given this recipe a lift by using some Kikkoman Soy Sauce and a little chilli powder. My kids don't like anything 'too spicy' so the chilli quantity listed is very family friendly. Ramp it up if you prefer something a bit more head-blowing. The vegetables listed are what I had in fridge at the time. Substitute the carrots and mushrooms for whatever you like – peppers, peas and sweetcorn would also work well.

This makes enough for at least 6 people as we had the leftovers for lunch. You may want to buy another pack of tortilla chips though if you are serving more than 4 people.

Ingredients

1 tbsp (15ml) Oil, sunflower or vegetable

1 Onion, chopped

2 Carrots, peeled and chopped

1 pack 500g Frozen vegetarian mince

2 Mushrooms, sliced

1 tin (around 400g) Baked Beans in tomato sauce (I used mixed beans)

1 tin (around 400g) Chopped tomatoes

¼ tsp (1.25ml) Chilli powder

1 tbsp (15ml) Kikkoman Soy Sauce

1 bag 200g Tortilla chips

2oz (55g) Cheddar cheese, grated

Method

1. In a large saucepan heat the oil and then gently fry the onion and carrot until the onion starts to soften.

2. Add the mince and break it down with a spatula.

3. Once the mince can be stirred easily add the mushrooms, beans, tomatoes, chilli and soy sauce.

4. Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer to cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

5. Once cooked lay out the tortilla chips on plates and divide the mixture between them. Sprinkle on top with the cheese.

Kikkoman sent me the Soy Sauce for free. No payment has been received for writing this post.