Mediterranean Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 500 gm mince, beef, lamb or turkey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red capsicum, sliced

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½ lemon

Method

Cook the Ground Beef:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

2. Add the mincef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.

3. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Saute the Aromatics:

1. Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the red onion and garlic to the other side.

2. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens slightly.

3. Add the Vegetables (Keeping Zucchini Firm):

4. Stir in the capsicum and cook for 1–2 minutes to maintain a slight crunch.

5. Add the zucchini last and cook for just 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini should be slightly tender but not mushy.

Season and Finish Cooking:

1. Sprinkle in the oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Add the cherry tomatoes and olives, stirring everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until warmed through but still fresh.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry.

2. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.

3. Serve immediately.

4. Tip: If you prefer extra-crisp zucchini, sauté it separately in a small pan for 1–2 minutes and mix it in just before serving.