Purple Monster Mash

When I was a little girl, my nanny would drive me to and from school, and the songs we listened to on the way are forever embedded in my head and heart. Every time one of the tunes flows through my car stereo, I smile and think of Daphna. Daphna loved Halloween as much as I did as a young girl and even had a CD to celebrate the holiday all October long. “Monster Mash” and “Purple People Eater” were played one after another for days on end, and as I was making this easy and delicious saute of beets, red cabbage, and ground beef, both songs popped into my mind immediately. Hence, this Halloween Season I am presenting my “Purple Monster Mash,” which dare I say, might compete with tacos! (This recipe was inspired by AllRecipes)

• Ground beef

• Beet

• Red Cabbage

• Onion

• Thyme (fresh is preferred)

• Garlic

• Butter

• Salt

• Apple Cider Vinegar

• Sour Cream

1. Finely dice ½ of an onion, and toss into a saute pan turned to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon freshly diced thyme and saute until onions are translucent. Add 1 lb. of ground beef and crumble. Mix well with onions and cook until meat is fully browned. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of butter/fat.

2. While beef and onions are cooking, mince 2 cloves of garlic, peel and shred one beet, and dice two cups of red cabbage. Once beef is cooked, add garlic to the pan and saute for one minute, sprinkling mixture with salt. Next add shredded beets and cabbage and saute for 5 minutes. 

3. Add ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Add a lid to the pan and saute 10 minutes more until cabbage and beets are nicely wilted. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.