Cheesy bean and lentil bake

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.

Step 2

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onion, celery and carrot. Cook over a medium–low heat for 10 minutes, or until softened. Add the courgette, garlic, chilli and oregano and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper. Pour in half the vegetable stock and a tin of tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and has absorbed most of the stock.

Step 4

Add the remaining stock and tomatoes, the beans, lentils and tomato purée. Cook for 5 minutes to reduce a little. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, you may need to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 5

Stir in 100g/3½oz of cheese and pour into a large ovenproof dish. Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 6

Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 30 minutes, until the topping is crisp and bubbling. Leave to sit for 2–3 minutes before serving with steamed greens.