Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew Recipe
A hearty and comforting Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew packed with warming spices, nutritious lentils, and sweet butternut squash, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Middle Eastern influenced
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids and Oils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors into the oil.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the cubed butternut squash, rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils and butternut squash are tender and cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, optionally alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent foam while cooking.
- If desired, add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
- The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the stew and stir it back in before serving.
- You can substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: butternut squash stew, lentil stew, vegetarian stew, healthy dinner, comfort food, easy stew recipe