Velvety soup with roasted squash, red lentils, and aromatic spices for a comforting, nourishing meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Legumes
05 - 3/4 cup red lentils, rinsed
→ Broth & Liquids
06 - 4 cups vegetable broth, gluten-free
07 - 1 cup water
→ Spices & Seasonings
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Finishing
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
15 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
16 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for serving
# How To:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and tender.
02 - Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add roasted squash, red lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils are soft and tender.
05 - Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully blend in batches using a standard blender.
06 - Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
