Quick & Easy lentils with leftover BBQ meat

This versatile recipe makes the most of leftover BBQ meat, combining hearty lentils and fresh greens into a delicious warm dish or a cooling salad. Spicy sausages work particularly well, but feel free to use any meat you have on hand.

2
15 Minutes

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Ingredients

  • ½ large white onion, finely chopped 
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped 
  • 1 celery stick, finely chopped (don’t worry if you leave this out) 
  • Optional: 1 cup of chopped greens (e.g. for the hot option, heartier greens like kale, broccolini or spinach work  best, for the cold option rocket, watercress or baby spinach)
  • 1 can lentils (with liquid) 
  • Salt and pepper, to taste 
  • 1 tablespoon oil 
  • Handful of fresh herbs, finely chopped (rosemary works particularly well) 
  • Around 1 cup leftover BBQ meat, sliced (spicy sausages recommended) 
  • Optional: Feta cheese for crumbling on top 

Method

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    Slice the BBQ meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and herbs. 
  2. Cook the Base:
    Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened. 
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    Stir in the herbs, celery, and carrot. Cook for another 2 minutes. 
  4. Add Lentils:
    Add the entire can of lentils, including the liquid. Fill the empty can halfway with water and add that to the pot. Stir well. 
  5. For a Cold Salad Option:
    Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the carrot is tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Remove from heat, let it cool, then stir in the BBQ meat. Transfer to a serving dish and top with salad greens and crumbled feta.
    For a Hot Option:
    Add the BBQ meat directly to the pot. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, ensuring the meat is piping hot, the carrot is tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
    In the last 3 minutes, stir in the greens and season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Transfer to a serving dish and top with crumbled feta. 
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