Recipe: Red Lentil Ragù

This meal is perfect for those on a budget, using my measurements it makes around 4-5 portions which I've put in the freezer for a later date. All you have to do is defrost in the microwave. Quick, easy and pretty healthy too!

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 250g red split lentils
• 1 tin (400g) of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
• 500ml of vegetable stock

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the carrot, onion, celery and garlic and fry until soft (approx. 10 minutes). Add the lentils, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, herbs and stock. Stir well and bring to the boil. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, then season.

Serve over any pasta you have lying around in the back of the cupboard and a sprinkling of cheese. 

This recipe is adapted from the BBC Good Food website.