Puy lentils are a great staple with a unique flavour. They hold their shape well in cooking so are ideal for salads or to pair with other dishes, but they are also really tasty on their own.

This is comfort food at its best!

Stuff you’ll need:

• ½ packet of dried puy lentils (about 250g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 ½ vegetable stock cubes
• 3-4 c hot water
• 2 tbsp tamari
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 3-4 tbsp port or red wine

How to make it:

1. If you have time, soak the puy lentils for an hour or so. Rinse and drain.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium sized pot. 
3. Chop the onion and add. Cook until nearly transparent.
4. Chop and add the garlic cloves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the lentils and stir well. 
6. Crumble and add the stock cubes, along with enough water to cover the lentils. Stir.
7. Bring the lentils to a boil, while stirring frequently. If you need to add more hot water to keep the lentils covered. 
8. Add the tamari, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper and lemon juice and simmer for another 10 minutes. 
9. Add the nutritional yeast and port / red wine. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes or until lentils are tender.

• Serve with vegetable dishes, or bread for a hearty lunch or dinner. Pictured above with parsley hummus and sun-dried tomatoes on herb toast.