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Tasty Butternut Squash Recipe

Tasty Butternut Squash Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 6 reviews

This comforting Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew is a hearty, nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein from red lentils and natural sweetness from butternut squash, it’s easy to prepare and makes excellent leftovers. Flavored with warming spices like cumin and smoked paprika, this stew delivers a satisfying, delicious bowl of warmth and nourishment.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Lentils

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add spices: Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
  3. Add main ingredients: Add the cubed butternut squash, rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.
  4. Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until the lentils and butternut squash are tender and cooked through.
  5. Season and serve: Taste the stew and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute red lentils with green or brown lentils but adjust cooking times as they take longer to cook.
  • For a creamier texture, blend part of the stew before serving.
  • This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
  • Add a handful of chopped fresh spinach or kale near the end of cooking for extra greens.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash stew, lentil stew, vegetarian stew, healthy dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/tasty-butternut-squash-recipe/