Stuffed Kumara with Beef Mince, Spinach & Cheese

_INGREDIENTS:

• 3–4 medium red or orange kumara
• 300g beef mince1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1½ Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

_{INSTRUCTIONS:}

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Prick the kumara all over with a fork, rub with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the tray and bake for 50–60 minutes, until completely soft and a knife slides easily through the centre.
3. About 15 minutes before the kumara are ready, heat a drizzle of 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.
4. 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.
5. Stir in the paprika, oregano and tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the spinach and stir for 1–2 minutes until just wilted, then take the pan off the heat.
7. Take the kumara out of the oven. Slice each one lengthways down the middle, without cutting all the way through, and gently push the ends together to open them up.
8. Spoon the beef mince into each kumara and scatter over the grated cheese.
9. Return to the oven for 5–8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve hot.

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