Q I have noticed lentils are very trendy nowadays, just how do you cook them properly?

Sarah, Moseley

A For many years lentils were for the poor but nowadays they are used in some of the best restaurants.

Most would use Puy lentils from France.

They make fantastic soup, are great with game and other strongly flavoured meat dishes and also work really well with fish.

Cook in four times there volume in water along with some chopped carrot, onion, garlic and bay leaf.

You could also add smoked bacon.

Always add salt towards the end of the cooking in case you end up with too much.

When cooked, remove the vegetables and bacon, drain any excess water, stir in a small piece of butter and serve.

* Luke Tipping is head chef at Simpson’s Restaurant, 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston. 0121 454 3434 or www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk If you’ve got a culinary question for Luke, email paul.fulford@birminghammail. net or write to Paul Fulford, Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FF.