Sloppy Joes

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp canola oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

260 g ground beef, lean

ground pepper to taste

2 tbsp tomato paste

1/4 cup ketchup

1/2 tsp brown sugar

2 tbsp water

4 drops Tabasco sauce (optional)

2 hamburger buns

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.  Add the onion then cook until it is translucent, about 3 minutes with occasional stirring, paying attention not to let it burn.  Add salt, then reduce the heat, cover and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cayenne pepper then cook with stirring until fragrant, 1 minute.

Add the beef then cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it loses its pink colour, about 5 minutes.  It is important not to overcook the meat at this point, otherwise it will end up dry and crumbly.

Season with ground pepper to taste, then add the tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar and water.  A few drops of Tabasco sauce may be added for extra spiciness.  Cover, then simmer 10 minutes

Spoon the meat mixture onto hamburger buns, then serve.

Makes 2 servings.