What’s not to like!

I basically have the same main meal every day – I’m told it’s basically the same as the Nepalese diet. If it’s good enough for them ..

All quantities are per person.

In a microwave pot assemble

• a mix of red lentils (which cook faster than other sorts) and long-grain or risotto rice (about half a cup in total)
• a mashed clove of garlic
• chopped veg to taste.
• oil and seasoning to taste.

Mix a small teaspoon of tomato concentrate into 250ml of water and add to pot.

Microwave on full power for 5 minutes – then half power for 15 minutes. Check if water absorbed and rice cooked. If necessary add another say 50ml of hot water and cook on half power for a further 5 minutes. Allow to stand for 5 minutes.

Cooking and water requirements will vary with the vegetables used. I nearly always include –

• a carrot
• some broccoli florets and stem
• two or three cherry tomatoes
• a third of a pepper
• aubergine or potato
• mushrooms or sweetcorn.

One pot microwave cooking is pretty economical. And as you see, this meal can be ready in half an hour. The lentils are a lovely complement to the rice and I never tire of the concoction.