Beef Mince Stuffed Kumara with Spinach & Cheese

_INGREDIENTS:

• 3–4 red or orange kumara
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 300g beef mince
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1½ Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup grated cheese of your choice

_{INSTRUCTIONS:}

1. Preheat the oven to 210°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Scrub the kumara, pat dry and prick each one a few times with a fork. Brush all over with a little of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Place on the lined tray and bake for about 1 hour, or until completely soft and a knife slides easily through the centre.
4. When the kumara have about 20 minutes to go, heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Turn the heat up to medium-high, add the beef mince and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
6. Stir in the paprika, oregano and tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add the spinach and stir for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
8. Take the kumara out of the oven. Carefully slice each one lengthways down the middle, without cutting all the way through, and gently push the ends together to open them up.
9. Spoon the beef mixture into each kumara and sprinkle over the cheese.
10. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.