Lamb and lentil curry

This rich and satisfying lamb and lentil curry uses a great-value cut of meat for a tasty dinner on a budget. This dish is great for making ahead, check the tips section for freezing instructions.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 500g/1lb 2oz lamb neck fillets, trimmed, cut into 3cm/1¼in chunks
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp medium curry paste
• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 150g/5½oz dried split red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp salt, plus extra to season
• 75g/2½oz curly kale (or mature spinach leaves), rinsed, shredded, any tough stalks discarded
• freshly ground black pepper
• steamed rice or naan bread, to serve

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large, lidded, non-stick saucepan over a medium heat. Add the lamb, onions and garlic and fry for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned, stirring regularly.

2. Add the curry paste and stir well to coat the lamb and onions. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring well, then add the tomatoes, lentils, 500ml/18fl oz water and salt. Bring the mixture to the boil. Reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering, then half-cover the pan with the lid and simmer very gently for 45-50 minutes, stirring regularly, until the lamb is very tender. (Add a little extra water if the curry is beginning to look dry before the lamb is tender.)

3. Season with salt and pepper, stir in the kale and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes, or until tender.

4. Serve in bowls with steamed rice or warm naan bread.

Lamb and lentil curry