Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes with Just Veg

Over the past few weeks I have been bringing you some delicious recipes in partnership with Just Veg. This week we have another two deliciously simple, healthy and fast recipes that are super easy to whip up. I've also got an amazing Mexican-style spice mix that you can make ahead of time and keep with your spice rack for anything from taco seasoning to the base of chilli con carne, or even a nice way to jazz up guacamole for your next BBQ!

Just Veg was born from a group of farmers’ wives from Queensland who wanted to create a healthy, ready to go option for busy families using their not-so-pretty carrots from the farm! The range includes carrot shred and carrot sticks and are found in the fresh produce section at Woolworths in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The carrot sticks even come in a multi-pack so you can just pop a bag into your kids’ lunch-boxes or your work bag! These ladies have really made healthy eating that much easier!

The Mexican-style spice mix is really easy to make up from the usual culprits in your spice rack and it keeps for ages in the cupboard. It's also great to make up into little jars for Kris Kringle gifts or stocking fillers for any of your friends that are also passionate home cooks!

Coming into Summer, I'm all about seafood and my recipe for fish tacos below is a really fresh, healthy take on the traditional style of fish taco recipes out there. Loads of colour with purple cabbage and Just Veg carrot shred for the slaw and spicy fish pieces dressed with lime juice all wrapped up in a corn tortilla - just like a bought one!

And to finish with I've got an easy one-pot chilli con carne using the Mexican-style seasoning as well that is awesome for speedy week night dinners or work lunches. You can serve it with some steamed brown rice or quinoa or just enjoy alone. It's also great to freeze to make your weeknight meals even speedier! Happy cooking!

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Mexican-inspired Seasoning

by Melanie Lionello November-24-2016

A healthy take on the store-bought version!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup smoked paprika
• 2 tbs cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp dried oregano leaves
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions

Combine everything in a jar and shake. Use for taco seasoning, chilli con carne, guacamole seasoning or spicy carrot chips!

Details

Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: Total time: 5 mins Yield:

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Fish Tacos with Carrot Slaw

by Melanie Lionello November-24-2016

Too delicious for words!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 packet Just Veg Carrot Shred
• 1 cup purple cabbage, sliced finely
• juice of two limes
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• Pinch of sea salt
• cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 tbs Mexican-inspired Seasoning
• 1 tbs plain flour
• 500g firm white fish cut in strips (flathead, barramundi, blue grenadier) or chicken
• jalapenos to serve
• Corn tortillas

Instructions

In a bowl, combine carrot, cabbage, lime juice, sour cream, salt and pepper. Set aside. Heat a frypan on medium with olive oil. While it’s heating, combine Mexican-style Seasoning and flour in a bowl. Place each strip of fish into the seasoning to coat, then place into frypan. Repeat until all fish is coated and in the pan. Cook until fish is golden on each side. Approx 2-3 minutes each side. When just about ready to serve, heat tortillas in oven for 5 minutes, then serve with slaw, a couple of pieces of fish and jalapenos.

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 25 mins Yield: Serves 4

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Chilli con Carne

by Melanie Lionello November-24-2016

Loads of flavour and veg!

Ingredients

• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 red onion, skin removed and finely diced
• 1 400g can crushed tomatoes
• 1 400g can red kidney beans
• 1/2 packet Just Veg Carrot Shred
• 400g lean beef mince
• 2 tbs tomato paste
• 1/4 cup Mexican-inspired Seasoning
• 1 tsp sea salt (more or less to taste)
• Avocado, lime, coriander and chilli to serve

Instructions

Heat heavy based saucepan on medium, add olive oil and onion. Saute for five minutes until onion begins to turn translucent. Add mince. Cook, breaking into smaller pieces, until browned. Add Mexican-style seasoning and saute for a minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes, beans, carrot, salt and tomato paste with half a can of water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until water has evaporated and sauce is thick. Serve with toppings!

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 40 mins Yield: Serves 4