Top Tips from celebrity Chef Simon Rimmer
We’ve linked up with celebrity chef Simon Rimmer who has provided his top tips for burgers and hotdogs and also some exciting new summer recipes for you to try...
This lentil and aubergine ragu by Waitrose & Partners is perfect for a simple and satisfying meal, containing 3 of your ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables. Opting for vegan tagliatelle, such as essential Waitrose tagliatelle, is an easy vegan swap for this hearty and flavoursome dish.
Serves 2
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small aubergine, cut into 1cm dice
• 1 red onion, finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 180g dried vegan tagliatelle
• 250g Merchant Gourmet Tomatoey French Puy & Green Lentils
• Small handful basil leaves
1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan. Add the aubergine, season and fry for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until golden. Tip onto a plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil along with the onion and fry for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and fry for 3 more minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for a further 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelle according to pack instructions, then drain.
3. Return the aubergine to the pan, then tip in the lentils. Fill the pouch halfway with water and pour into the pan. Simmer gently until everything is warm, then stir through most of the basil. Serve the ragù over the tagliatelle with the remaining basil leaves scattered on top.
This ragu also makes a delicious base for a cottage pie – just tip into a small pie dish then top with a pack of mashed potato. Bake at 200°C for about 20 minutes or until piping hot.
Recipe and image by Waitrose & Partners https://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes/recipe_directory/l/lentil-aubergineragu.html . Thousands of other recipes can also be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes