Red lentil & sweet potato pâté, a healthy alternative to houmous and bread sticks. Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Half an onion, finely chopped 1 tsp smoked paprika, plus a little extra 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced 140g red lentils 3 thyme sprigs, leaves chopped, plus a little extra to decorate (optional) 500ml low-sodium vegetable stock 1 tsp vinegar Pitta bread and vegetable sticks, to serve Method  Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and cook slowly until soft and golden. Tip in the paprika and cook for a further 2 minutes, then add the sweet potato, lentils, thyme and stock. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 20 minutess or until the potato and lentils are tender.  Add the vinegar and some seasoning, and roughly mash the mixture until you get a texture you like. Chill for 1 hour, then drizzle with olive oil, dust with the extra paprika and sprinkle with thyme sprigs, if you like. Serve with pitta bread and vegetable sticks.