Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal (v)

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.

Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped

• 1 red chilli, 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

1. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wide-based pan with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook over a low heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.

3. Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a finely chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger and 1 finely chopped red chilli, cook for 1 min, then add 1½ tsp ground turmeric and 1½ tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 min more.

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.

5. Tip in 250g red split lentils, 600ml vegetable stock and some seasoning.

6. Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for 20 mins until the lentils are tender and the potato is just holding its shape.

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 small pack torn basil leaves to serve.

8. Alternatively, allow to cool completely, then divide between airtight containers and store in the fridge for a healthy lunchbox.