I threw this together last night because I was looking for something super-cheap, nutritious, and very tasty for dinner. It was successful on all counts: easy to make and it cost about $4 (AUD) to make. Aside from the onion, everything came out of cans or packets too, which makes it a perfect last-minute thing, and you could easily make it on a camping trip. Vegan & vegetarian friendly.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, sliced into half moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 400 g can chickpeas
• 1 400 g can whole champignons, drained
• 2 400 g cans chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red lentils
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp hot Madras curry powder
• 1 tbsp canola oil or similar

Method

• Over a medium heat soften the onion and garlic in the oil with a good pinch of salt for around ten minutes.
• Turn the heat to high, add the curry powder and the spices, turning them over in the onion for about a minute until they become fragrant.
• Pour in the tomatoes, and about a can’s worth of water, using it to rinse out the cans before adding.
• Bring to the boil, then add the drained champignons, and the chickpeas with their brine
• Turn the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes
• Turn up the heat to medium-high add the lentils, simmering more robustly for a further 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the lentils have gone mushy. Scrape the bottom from time to time to ensure the lentils do not stick.

Serve with rice.