Chard or Spinach with Minced Meat

Peel and finely chop the onion.

Gently fry the chopped onion in the butter or oil until softened.

Add the minced meat and continue to cook until browned and the meat juices have evaporated.

Meanwhile chop the tomato and add to the pot.

Add the tomato puree and pepper puree if using and stir. Cook this for a few minutes to cook through.

While you are doing this wash the chard leaves, discard most of the stems and roughly chop. If you are using English Spinach just cut off the protruding bit of the root and leave the rest. Break it open and wash under running water to remove sand and dirt. The root is the tastiest bit. Roughly chop.

Wash the rice and add to the pot along with 1 cup of hot water. 

Put the chard or spinach on top. 

Add the salt and pepper.

Cook over a low heat until the rice is tender and the chard is cooked. Check the meal after 15 - 20 minutes to see if there is enough water as it depends on how watery the vegetables were. Add 1 more cup of hot water if necessary. The meal is meant to be a bit juicy.

Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the meal rest for 5 - 10 minutes.

Serve with thick yogurt or garlic yogurt and some sourdough bread.