Spiced green lentil ragoût

• olive oil↗2 tbsp tbsp
• onions↗2large red

  (450g/1lb) finely diced

• garlic cloves↗3

  crushed and finely chopped

• chilli↗1mild red

  seeded and finely chopped

• turmeric↗½ tsp tsp
• cinnamon↗1small

  stick

• star anise1whole
• cardamom↗4

  pods, lightly crushed (retaining the black seeds inside)

• Puy lentil↗250g g

  rinsed

• hot chicken stock↗about 700ml/1¼ pints ml

  or vegetable stock

• tomato↗1large

  large

• of fresh coriandera large handful

  a large handful leaves, chopped

• of fresh parsley↗a large handful

  a large handful leaves, chopped

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large, heavy saucepan or cast-iron casserole set over a low to medium heat. Tip in the onions, garlic and chilli and stir well. Gently cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and very lightly coloured.

2. 2

   Stir all the spices into the onion mixture and gently fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the lentils and stock, then bring to the boil, uncovered, over a raised heat. Reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, adding a generous pinch of sea salt halfway through.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, put the tomato into a mug or heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and leave for 1 minute. Run under cold water, then strip off the skin. Halve the tomato, flick out the seeds, then chop the flesh into a rough mush and set aside.

4. 4

   When the lentils are just tender but the consistency of the mixture is still sloppy and juicy (add more stock or water if necessary), remove the pan from the heat and fish out as many of the spices as possible. Season with black pepper, check to see if more salt is needed, then stir in the tomato and the herbs.