Comfort Food That Won’t Make You Fat

This easy recipe is the ultimate comfort food for winter. Satisfy your cravings with our low-calorie beef ragu dish that is oh-so-good.

Slow cookers provide an easy, foolproof way to prepare a meal.

We have a delicious beef ragu recipe by nutritional scientist and dietitian Dr Joanna McMillan.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 600g lean beef, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, halved lengthways and sliced
• 1 red capsicum, cored and diced
• 2 zucchini, halved lengthways and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tbsp wholegrain flour
• 1 jar passata
• 1 cup red wine (alternatively use stock)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• Handful fresh basil
• 50g baby spinach

Method

1. Using a slow cooker or a pressure cooker (my go-to is the Philips Premium All-in-One Cooker because it can do both) place the temperature on high, selecting a ‘saute’ setting if possible
2. Add 1⁄2 tbsp. of oil to the pot and once hot add half of the beef. Once browned all over, remove from the pot with a slotted spoon and repeat with the remaining beef.
3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil and add the onion, celery, carrot, capsicum, zucchini and garlic to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until softened and the onion is translucent. Note: you can also do steps 2 & 3 in a pot on the stove if you’re pot doesn’t get quite hot enough
4. Return the beef to the pot and sprinkle with the flour. Stir to coat and then add the passata, red wine and dried herbs. Stir to combine.
5. If you’re using a pressure cooker, seal and set time for 30 minutes. If you’re using a slow cooker seal and set time for at least 6 hours. The longer it cooks the tastier it is!
6. Once the cooking time has finished for the pressure cooker, release the pressure. If you’re using the Philips Premium All-in-One cooker and utilising its pressure cooker function, wait until the floating valve has fallen. This indicates that the pressure has dropped and is safe to open. Then release the pressure valve and open the lid.
7. Stir in the fresh basil and spinach, and season to taste. Serve with wholegrain pasta, grated parmesan and a delicious green salad for a super healthy, filling and tasty meal.

Recipe by Dr Joanna McMillan, nutritional scientist, dietitian and Philips Kitchen Appliances Ambassador.