Good Cheap Grub ! Eating well on a low budget
Here's a very simple, economical and nutritious recipe that I used to eat regularly when I was 20 years old and living in South London .
For that reason I have called it the 'Balham Balti ' . It isn't an actual Balti , but never mind !
( Warning : As mentioned elsewhere , if you eat Lentils in large quantities every day you will probably experience extreme 'toiletry problems ' )
First put oil , onions and curry powder in a frying pan and fry gently for a couple of minutes . You could add chopped peppers , carrots and/or potatoes at this stage to make a lentil and vegetable curry .
Add about half a mug full ( half a large cup ) of Red Lentils, cover the lot with water , bring to the boil and then adjust the heat to a simmer .
Add around a dessertspoon full of Tomato Puree ( paste ) and a generous pinch of salt .
Continue to simmer . You can also add sliced mushrooms at this point if you wish.
If possible , cover the pan .
Cook the curry until the lentils are soft all the way through .
For a slightly more 'luxurious' version , when the Lentils are cooked through , add around a tablespoonful of chopped solid 'creamed coconut' (available in small boxes).
The coconut will melt ; stir it evenly through the curry and cook for a minute or so .
The curry will thicken ; add a little water if necessary and heat through again .
Serve the curry with a simple accompanyment such as rice , pitta bread , toast, bread or boiled potatoes .
