Preparation

To make lentils, heat oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic, celery and chilli, and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Add lentils, cinnamon and 750ml water, and cook, covered, for 35 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Drain, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm. While the lentils are cooking, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook onion and capsicum, stirring often for 6 minutes or until onion starts to colour and capsicum goes really soft; reduce the heat if necessary. Add cumin and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and mint, season with salt and pepper, and cook for a further 10 minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary. (You want the sauce to be thick, but not as thick as porridge by the end.)
When ready to serve, bring the capsicum mixture to a simmer and stir in the egg. Continue stirring as the egg thickens the mix slightly but don’t over-stir or overcook.
Spoon the lentils onto plates with some capsicum and egg mixture, and serve with warm pita bread.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
  • 1 small red onion, peeled, finely chopped
  • 1 small red capsicum, halved, sliced
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • 400 g (about 2 large) tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp dried mint
  • 2 eggs, lightly whisked
  • warm pita bread, to serve
  • Garlicky lentils
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 long red chilli, finely chopped
  • 200 g (1 cup) green lentils
  • 1 cinnamon quill