Tim Rurak's Meat Sauce with Indian Spices

I came up with this recipe when I was by myself in New York City. I went shopping on a wet and rainy day and found some really great looking local, non-medicated lean ground beef. When I got home, I started thinking about what I could do with it and I came up with this recipe. I am a big believer of the medicinal benefits of Indian spices, ginger, and garlic. My wife, Dalia, likes this recipe too. ~Tim

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon canola oil

* 1/3 onion, finely chopped

* 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

* 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, minced

* 1 teaspoon paprika

* 2 1/2 teaspoon cumin

* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

* 500g lean ground beef

* 300 mL beef stock

* 400g canned tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped (I pulse tomatoes in food processor, then pass through a sieve)

* 2 tablespoons tomato paste

* salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion, and saute for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and slightly translucent.

Add the garlic, ginger, and spices and give it a good stir. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Turn up the heat to medium-high. Add the beef to the pan and break it up. Continue cooking until the meat is browned.

Add beef stock, tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Turn the heat down and simmer gently for 20 minutes or until liquid is reduced to a desired level. Stir occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This sauce works well over rice, pasta, or potatoes (sweet or otherwise).

Tim Rurak is the owner of Ralph's Radio.