Creamy Spiced Butternut Squash & Red Lentil Soup
This Creamy Spiced Butternut Squash & Red Lentil Soup is a delightful combination of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Inspired by a love for wholesome ingredients, this soup is not just easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness of butternut squash beautifully complements the earthiness of red lentils, enhanced by aromatic curry paste. This recipe is a special favorite of my nephew, and it's perfect for cozy nights in or as a substantial starter for dinner parties. Enjoy this wholesome dish with your favorite crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
92
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
1 large (peeled and chopped into small cubes)
Red Lentils
1 cup (rinsed)
Curry Paste
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (to balance the flavors)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (for acidity)
Water
4 cups (to cook the soup)
Salt
1 flat teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the butternut squash and chopping it into small cubes for even cooking.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the cubed squash and red lentils. Add the curry paste and sauté for about 2 minutes until the flavors begin to blend.
3
Pour in the water and add the sugar, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the squash and lentils are tender.
4
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the salt and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half of the soup.
6
Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs, alongside crusty bread.
7
Alternatively, you can place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the squash is soft, then blend and serve.
Nutrition Information
0.3g
Fat
16g
Carbs
5g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Spiced Butternut Squash & Red Lentil Soup.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are 92 calories per serving.
Is this soup vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 cup of rinsed red lentils.
How much butternut squash do I need?
You will need one large butternut squash, peeled and chopped into small cubes.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours before blending.
How much curry paste is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of curry paste.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
This soup provides 4 grams of fiber per serving.
Why is sugar added to the soup?
Two teaspoons of sugar are added to help balance the flavors.
How much water is needed for the base?
You need 4 cups of water to cook the soup.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Add the lemon juice after the initial 20-minute simmer, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
How do I achieve a creamy texture?
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy.
Can I have a chunkier version of this soup?
Yes, you can blend just half of the soup if you prefer a chunkier texture.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is recommended to serve it with your favorite crusty bread.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
The soup has 0.3g of fat and 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the squash and lentils simmer?
They should simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until tender.
What is the first step of preparation?
The first step is peeling and chopping the butternut squash into small cubes.
How much salt is used in the seasoning?
One flat teaspoon of salt is used.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 ingredients in total.
How long do I sauté the squash and lentils with the curry paste?
Sauté them for about 2 minutes until the flavors begin to blend.
What garnishes are suggested?
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs.
Is this recipe good for cold weather?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a fall recipe.
What gives the soup its acidity?
One tablespoon of lemon juice provides the acidity.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
The description mentions it is a special favorite of the author's nephew.
What equipment is needed for blending?
An immersion blender is recommended for this recipe.
How much lemon juice should I use?
You should use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
What is the total cook time on a stovetop?
The total simmer time is about 25 minutes, plus a few minutes for sautéing.
Is the soup spicy?
The soup uses curry paste for a spiced, aromatic flavor profile.