Vegan lentils with soy & ginger tofu

• dried puy lentils↗160g g

  or lentilles vertes

• bay leaves↗2
• rapeseed oil↗2 tbsp tbsp

  plus a drizzle

• onions↗2

  (350g), finely chopped

• celery↗180g g

  thinly sliced

• carrots↗320g g

  finely chopped

• thyme leaves↗2 tbsp fresh tbsp
• wholegrain mustard↗1 tbsp tbsp

  plus 1 tsp

• raw apple cider vinegar↗2 tbsp tbsp
• flat-leaf parsley↗1 tbsp chopped tbsp

  chopped

• extra-firm tofu↗260g g
• garlic cloves↗2

  finely grated

• balsamic vinegar↗2 tsp tsp
• ginger↗2 tsp finely grated tsp

  finely grated

• low-salt soy sauce↗2 tsp tsp
• three-seed mix↗4 tsp toasted
• coriander leaves↗1 tbsp fresh
• red chilli↗1

  chopped

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Put the lentils in a pan of water with the bay leaves, and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 mins, then turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for 20 mins more until the lentils are tender.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over a high heat and fry the onion, stirring often until softened. Add the celery, carrots and thyme, cover with the lid, turn down the heat to medium and cook for 10 mins more, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.

3. 3

   Drain the lentils and add these to the vegetables in the pan along with 1 tbsp of the mustard and the apple cider vinegar. Measure out half the lentil mixture and set aside – you can use these for lunches later in the week, like in our puy lentil salad with beetroot & walnuts. Toss the parsley through the remaining lentil mixture.

4. 4

   Cut the tofu into thick fingers. Combine the garlic, balsamic vinegar, ginger and soy sauce, then brush this over the tofu pieces.

5. 5

   Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over a medium heat and fry the tofu on all sides until browned. Serve the tofu over half the lentils, topped with the mixed seeds, fresh coriander and chopped red chilli.