Sloppy Joes and Roast Potatoes

Today's blog is a mix of days. I try to take pictures every time I make something. I found I was making such simple things that didn't require a lot of photos so I am going to combine two of those right now.  I didn't make these for the same meal but I totally would if the mood struck me. I also want to say that I ALWAYS add veggies to my sloppy joes. There is just something wrong to me about a ton of meat, sauce, and bread. These are way too filling to pair with much of anything else so the most logical thing, to me anyway, is to load up the meat with veggies. I do warn against adding green peppers unless you really love green peppers. They tend to overpower all the other flavours and it just doesn't taste quite the same.

This is a pretty typical mix for me. One large onion, 1/4 or more of a pepper and a couple stalks of celery including the leafy tops. This all goes in with about 500g of ground beef. The leaner the better as this can get unsightly if there is too much fat floating around. Not to mention, unhealthy.

Now, this is why this is such a photoless recipe, it's so simple! A spice packet and can of tomato paste plus about a cup of water. Follow the packet directions. I do find that I like to add a bit more water to keep the saucy mess from sticking in my pan and becoming like paste.

Once the sauce has thickened it's ready to serve. I generally have homemade buns around and serve these on a buttered toasted bun.

As the weather has been getting warmer I have been finding any excuse to fire up the BBQ. These are a favourite of ours. Mine, because they are so easy to make, Phoenix's because he get's his own package, and they are just so tasty!

If you are making these for a lot of people you can do up a couple big packets and go from there instead of making one for every person. There are only three of us in my house so it was easy to make one for each of us.  

I find that we can eat about 6 new potatoes each or 1 medium potato worth each. Cut the new potatoes in half or thirds if necessary. Try to get them all the same size so they cook in the same time. Chop some onion and throw some in each package. Mushrooms and garlic are also welcome additions. Each person could season their own package too if they really wanted to get fancy. We don't, lol.

Now season liberally with salt and pepper. Dob some butter or margarine on top. It will help them cook and make those potatoes so good. Substitute olive oil, coconut oil, anything you want really.

Now seal up the package. These will be getting turned on the BBQ so be sure to seal the ends well to keep the butter from leaking out and causing flare ups, plus lost flavour! (oh no!)

We have this handy tray for the BBQ that I throw all the packages on. If you don't have one of these, don't worry just put the packages on medium high heat for about 30 minutes. Turn occasionally so nothing burns. These are best kept warm on a top rack in the BBQ when the steaks go on so they cook all the way through. They can also be done in the oven at about 400 F.

We enjoy these with sour cream, green onions, chives, bacon bits, pretty much anything we have on hand.