Recently I have been getting more and more fed up with those half used packets of different foods shoved at the back of my cupboard. I know the whole point of non perishable food is that it can become part of loads of meals. But I just seem to be collecting half empty packets of loads and loads of things, I mean I have 4 different kinds of rice packets all half used. How annoying!

After reaching my limit of shoving more and more in the cupboard I have decided to start using it. In my mind this is a great challenge. You spend less money as you are using up rather than buying more, you get to be a bit inventive and play around with flavours and ideas. Oh yes and you get more cupboard space.

As there is no better time than now, today I decided to use up a bag of red lentils that have been hanging around for a bit longer than I want them to.  After exploring through my cupboards for other accompaniments I decided curried lentils, toasted pitta with yogurt on top was the way to go. Delicious!

SO here is my challenge to you , reach in the cupboards see what you have got hanging around and play ready steady cook – no time limit just make what you can with what you have. Leave a comment below and let me know how it goes.

Here is the recipe from my simple leftovers supper.

Curried Lentils

Ingredients

Leftover lentils – I reckon about 200g

½ onion ( leftover) thinly chopped

2 cloves garlic- chopped

1 chilli – chopped

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp fennel seed

1 tin tomatoes

1 tsp sugar

salt and pepper to taste

200ml water

Method

1. Heat some oil in a pan, add the onion and soften
2. Add the garlic and all the spices
3. Add the lentils to the pan, stir and then add water
4. Pour in the tomatoes, season and leave to simmer for 25- 30 mins
5. Serve with some toasted pita and a dollop of yogurt

See what you can do with those pesky leftovers!