THIS week we're on a mission to show you that low fat, meat-free, vitamin packed dishes can be some of the most delicious and flavoursome.
We're not joking - using plenty of spices, chillies, shallots, spring onions and garlic means healthy, vegetarian eating can be as bold and inventive as any fat-filled cuisine.
For our sweet Onion Casserole, we've slung in a few Juniper Berries to add an extra aromatic spiciness.
This week's Root Vegetable and Lentil Casserole is a hearty does of vitamins and minerals but a few extra additions which means it packs an extra punch.
The spicy combination of mixed root vegetables and assorted lentils makes an ideal winter healthy supper dish. Serve with a side salad or green vegetables for six people.
You'll need 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 25g (1oz) fresh root ginger, 3 onions, 450g (1lb) carrots, 350g (12oz) leeks, 350g (12oz) mooli (a long white Japanese root vegetable), 450g (1lb) button mushrooms, 45ml olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, crushed, ¼ tsp turmeric, 175g (6oz) split red lentils, 50g (2oz) puy lentils, salt and pepper and 2tbsp chopped coriander leaves
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4). Crush the cumin, coriander and mustard seeds with a pestle and mortar. Peel and grate or finely chop the ginger. Peel and slice the onions and carrots. Clean the leek thoroughly, then cut into slices. Peel and roughly chop the mooli. Halve the mushrooms if large.
Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish. Add the onions, carrots, leeks and mooli and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the mushrooms, garlic, ginger, turmeric and crushed spices and fry for a further 2-3 minutes, stirring well.
Rinse the lentils in a colander under cold running water, then drain. Stir the lentils into the casserole with 750ml boiling water. Season with salt and pepper and return to the boil. Cover and cook in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the vegetables and lentils are tender. Stir in the coriander and adjust seasoning before serving.
* Sheila Benson and Sean Millar are at The Side Door, 29*a Hope Street, Liverpool. Tel: 0151 707 7888.
*