Written by Tomsmum

* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) desiccated coconut
* 2 onions - finely chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic - crushed
* 4 tablespoons of oil
* 4 teaspoons (20ml) balti (or other curry) paste
* 100g split red lentils
* knob of butter

Put the coconut in a bowl and just cover with boiling water - leave to stand for 30 mins.

Fry the onion and garlic in the oil fr 5 mins

Add the balti paste and stir-fry for 2 mins

Add the lentils and 300 ml (12 fl oz) boiling water

Simmer for 20 mins adding more water if required (I always do)

Add the cocnut and stir in butter.

Serve immediately with rice (but also very good reheated the next day!