A comforting vegan one-pot recipe that counts for 3 of your 5-a-day! You can’t go wrong with this iron-rich, low-fat, low-calorie supper
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
a thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 red chili, finely chopped
1½ tsp ground turmeric
1½ tsp ground cumin
2 sweet potatoes (about 400g/14oz), cut into even chunks
250g red split lentils
600ml vegetable stock
80g bag of spinach
4 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal, to serve
½ small pack of Thai basil, leaves torn, to serve
METHOD
STEP 1
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wide-based pan with a tight-fitting lid.
STEP 2
Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook over low heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.
STEP 3
Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a finely chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger, and 1 finely chopped red chili, cook for 1 min, then add 1½ tsp ground turmeric and 1½ tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 min more.
STEP 4
Turn up the heat to medium, add 2 sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks, and stir everything together so the potato is coated in the spice mixture.
STEP 5
Tip in 250g red split lentils, 600ml vegetable stock, and some seasoning.
STEP 6
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for 20 mins until the lentils are tender and the potato is just holding its shape.
STEP 7
Taste and adjust the seasoning, then gently stir in the 80g spinach. Once wilted, top with the 4 diagonally sliced spring onions and ½ a small pack of torn basil leaves to serve.
STEP 8
Alternatively, allow to cool completely, then divide between airtight containers and store in the fridge for a healthy lunchbox.