It’s rootin’-tootin’ good: spicey lentil and root vegetable casserole

Despite some sunny afternoons here in the Dordogne, there is no escape from the creeping chill we associate with November. That’s why we’ve selected this warming, wholesome recipe for November. It’s perfect comfort food, without the guilt; using only ingredients in season, found easily here in South West France and also good for you!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil

• 1 onion chopped

• 2 garlic clove crushed

• 700g potatoes peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 parsnip thickly sliced

• 4 carrot thickly sliced

• 2 tbsp curry paste or powder (preferably garam masala)

• 1 litre/1¾ pints vegetable stock

• 100g coral lentils

• a small bunch of fresh coriander roughly chopped

• low-fat yogurt (optional)

• Naan bread or rice to serve
  

Recipe

1. In a large pan, heat the oil and cook the onion and garlic over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

2. Add the potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Turn up the heat and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables are golden.

3. Stir in the curry paste or powder, pour in the stock and then bring to the boil.

4. Reduce the heat, add the lentils, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Stir in most of the coriander, season and heat for a minute or so.

6. Top with yogurt and the rest of the coriander.

7. Serve with naan bread or rice.

About the author

Emma studied food and nutrition before focusing on furniture and design history at university in Manchester.

With over 20 years in senior product design and communications roles, she has ghostwritten for publications including The Times, Business Insider and The Financial Times.

In 2024, she and her husband, Craig, founded Maison d'Aquitaine to provide sustainably made kitchens for traditional French homes. They have lived in France with their children since 2011.

Emma is a vegetarian at home and a pescetarian in French restaurants! In her spare time, she works with the Dordogne-based animal charity, Phoenix Association.