Spiced Bacon and Lentil Soup

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 8 rashers smoked bacon (or equivalent 'cooking bacon'), chopped
• 450g potatoes, cut into chunks
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1.7 litres fresh vegetable stock, hot
• 300g dried red or brown lentils
• Handful chopped fresh coriander (or for color and nutrition, a handful of chopped spinach leaves)

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and bacon and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, cook for 3-4 minutes, then add the garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add the stock and lentils, boil, then skim off the scum that forms on the surface. Simmer for 15 minutes, until tender. Add spinach if using. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Season. Divide between bowls, sprinkle with the coriander and serve with warm rustic bread.

Serves 4 (This meal costs about £0.30/person.)