Warm Roasted Tomato, Bacon Lardons, and Lentil Salad

a) Meanwhile, tear the ciabatta into roughly 2cm chunks and pop onto another baking tray. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. 

b) Bake on the middle shelf of the oven until golden, 6-8 mins.

c) Once golden, remove from the oven and set aside.

a) While the croutons bake, peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). 

b) Drain and rinse the lentils in a sieve.

c) Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium frying pan on medium heat.

a) Once hot, add the bacon lardons. Stir fry until golden, 4-5 mins, then set aside in a small bowl. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat. Cook bacon thoroughly.

b) Put the frying pan back on medium heat (no need to clean). Add the garlic and stir-fry for 1 min. 

c) Add the lentils to the pan and stir together until piping hot, 1-2 mins. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.

a) In a large bowl, combine the balsamic glaze, sun-dried tomato paste, sugar and olive oil for the dressing (see pantry for both amounts). Season with salt and pepper. 

b) When ready, add the lentils, roasted aubergine and tomatoes to the dressing and toss to coat.

c) Allow to sit for 1 min to absorb the flavours.