There's lots of talk lately of people searching for cheap, filling, and warming meals over here in the UK.

Here's one that my grandparents used to make from leftovers.

Ingredients:

• One small unsmoked bone-in ham shank, or leftovers from an unsmoked gammon joint, or simply used chopped up unsmoked back bacon. (Sorry America¹)
  Cut into 1cm cubes. (About 250g of meat)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped.
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
• 2 tsp dried parsley.
• 2 cans of tomatoes.
• Chicken stock.
• 1 tsp paprika.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 250g dried red split lentils.

Instructions:

Cook lentils as per instructions on package, drain, and keep to one side.

In a frying pan cook onion, garlic and herbs til translucent. (Don't brown) add diced ham and stir well for a few minutes.

In a large heavy pan add chopped tomatoes and twice as much chicken stock.

Add the cooked onion and bacon to the pan, then the cooked red lentils. Add paprika and salt and pepper.

Cook over a low heat, stirring often, until thickened (about 15-20 minutes) add more water if too thick. check seasoning.

Serve with thick bread and lots of black pepper.

(If you're meat free, simply use more lentils, or add finely chopped carrots and veg stock.)

FWR

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