Ingredients
85g / 3 oz/ 1/3 cup split red lentils
200ml / 1/3 pint/ 3/4 cups water for cooking
Salt and pepper to season (freshly ground black pepper is best)

Preparation
1. Place the split red lentils into a sieve or fine-holed colander. Split red lentils are notorious for having debris in them, so be sure to clean well. Rinse under running water and pick out any obvious large pieces of debris.

2. Pour the washed red split lentils into a saucepan for cooking. Add the water to the pan.

3. Bring the water to the boil. Turn down when it reaches boiling point and simmer. Be sure to stir now and then to prevent sticking to the saucepan.

4. The red split lentils will be cooked in about 5-25 minutes, depending on age. You'll know they're done by observation - they turn into a mush or thick puree. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat. 

5. Use. Cooked split red lentils tend to be added to other dishes but can be eaten alone if you like them. Try them with the following ideas:

• Use them to make dhal.
• Thicken soups and casseroles.
• Add to vegetable curries.
• Turn them into kofte.