Lentil Purée

• 350 g (12 oz) brown lentils
• 1 onion, stuck with a clove

Pick over the lentils and remove any grit. Combine the lentils with the vegetables, bouquet garni and 1.4 litres (2½ pints) of water in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Add some salt for the last 10 minutes of the cooking time. Remove the onion and bouquet garni, then rub the lentils and vegetables through a sieve. Return to a clea