Mediterranean Lentils

Ingredients (serves 6 as a side salad) 

• 250g (8oz) brown or green lentils

• 250g (8oz) tomatoes, skinned, seeded and diced

• 3 sticks celery, sliced

• 125g (4oz) button mushrooms, sliced celery leaves and lemon slices, to garnish 

Spicy lemon dressing:

• 75ml (2 ½ oz) virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• salt and pepper  

Put the lentils in a sieve and rinse thoroughly, then tip into saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until tender. Drain and put into a bowl with the tomatoes, celery and mushrooms. 

To make the dressing, put all the ingredients in a bowl or screw-top jar and mix well. Serve garnished with celery leaves and lemon slices.