It's hard to think of a more efficient and versatile dish than a hearty, rustic soup.

You can throw all your old veg in the pot along with other stuff from almost all your other basic food groups, bring it to a boil, bring it down to a simmer, walk away, forget it for 45 minutes to an hour, enjoy the delicious aromas while its simmering, and come back to a completely balanced one dish meal.

And lentils, unlike most other pulses or legumes, don't have to be soaked, either. So a hearty, rustic, lentil soup is about as easy and efficient as it gets.

Plus they're a great source of protein, fiber, and several essential minerals. Not to mention they're inexpensive.