Slow cooker spiced root & lentil casserole

 Warm up on chilly days with this vegetarian slow-cooker stew. It's great for freezing and reheating for midweek meals.

Ingredients

    2 tbsp olive oil

    1 onion, finely chopped

    3 carrots, peeled and cut into 3cm slices

    500g (about 5 medium) parsnips, peeled and cut into 3cm slices

    3 garlic cloves, crushed

    2 tbsp mild curry powder

    1 tbsp smoked paprika

    150g red lentils, rinsed

    600ml hot vegan vegetable stock

    2 bay leaves

    lemon juice, to serve

Method

    STEP 1

    Heat the slow cooker to low. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onion for 10 mins until soft and transparent. Add the carrots and parsnips and fry for 8-10 mins more until the veg is just golden. Stir in the garlic and spices, and fry for 4-5 mins until fragrant, stirring. Add a splash of water if needed. Tip into the slow cooker and stir through the lentils, stock, bay and seasoning.

    STEP 2

    Close the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hrs until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Check the seasoning and stir in the lemon juice to taste. Serve with bread, rice, or potatoes, if you like.

This recipe is ideal for a 3.5-litre slow cooker. If yours is larger, double the amounts and freeze the leftovers. You can also cook on the hob, covered, for 1 hr until the veg is tender.

By Anna Glover