My inspiration from this recipe came from a few places; Firstly, you don’t often see chicken mince in budget supermarkets so in all honestly this was the first time I have used it, because it’s ALWAYS available in Lidl (my preferred and closest supermarket) AND it’s lower in calorie than most beef mince. Secondly, I received some “Very Lazy “Cajun Paste in last month’s Degustabox so I wanted to give it a whirl. I also used this paste on another recipe in the same week for Cajun Beef Chilli (recipe to come soon). This meal was really filling and great value for calories. It was tasty and easy-peasy to make, so I will definitely make it again. Approx. calories per portion = 597.

Ingredients (for 2 people);

• 250g chicken mince (to make 8 small meatballs)
• A handful of plain flour
• Oil for frying
• 1 small red onion finely sliced
• 1 pepper finely sliced
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp “very lazy” Cajun paste or similar
• 150g reduced fat creme fraiche
• 100ml chicken stock
• A large handful of fresh spinach roughly chopped
• 80g basmati rice
• Salt and pepper

Method (Approx. 30 mins including prep);

1. In a large bowl, using your hands mix the chicken mince with the smoked paprika and some salt and pepper
2. Divide into 8 balls. Roll them in the palms of your hand before rolling in flour.
3. Heat a good glug of oil in a large, deep non-stick frying pan. Fry the meatballs for 10 minutes on a medium heat until browned all over.
4. Meanwhile start to cook your rice according to instructions.
5. If needed, add a little more oil and then add in the peppers and onions to the pan. Fry for 5 minutes. Stir in the Cajun paste for the final minute.
6. Mix the creme fraiche and stock together and pour into the pan. Season with salt and pepper and gently bring to the boil lowering the heat slightly. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened a little and the meatballs are cooked all the way through. Add in the chopped spinach for the last minute just to let it wilt.
7. Serve up the meatballs and rice and enjoy!

This is a really delicious bowl of food and a great option for a quick Friday night cook that still feels like a tasty treat. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

If you have any recipe recommendations, questions or would like to collaborate with me in any way, please just email me at jensfoodblog@gmail.com!

Happy munching!

Jen

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