Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.Butter an ovenproof dish approximately 25 x 16 x 6 cm (use a larger, shallower tray if you prefer)

Step 2

Put the lentils in a sieve and rinse under a cold tap.Tip the lentils into a medium saucepan and add the stock or water. Bring to the boil then turn down the heat and simmer very gently until all the liquid has been absorbed (20-30 min).Take off the heat and set aside.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking: take a medium frying pan and add the oil and butter.Over a low-medium heat cook the onions, seasoned with a little salt & pepper, until softening and a little brown (10-15 min).Add the mushrooms, garlic, dried sage plus a little more salt & pepper, and continue cooking until the mushrooms are browned too (8-10 min). Take off the heat.

Step 4

Add the contents of the frying pan to the cooked lentils. Stir in the yeast extract if using along with the grated cheese and parsley.

Step 5

Stir in the beaten eggs then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

Put in the oven and bake until risen and cooked all the way through. A skewer or cocktail stick should come out clean. (Approx 35 min, less if you used a baking dish with a larger base).

Step 7

Cut into 4 and serve with green vegetables or salad and baked potatoes if liked.Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen once cold.Reheat in a microwave or low-medium oven covered in foil.