Description
Creamy, spiced, and deeply comforting, this spiced butternut squash and red lentil soup is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for cozy fall evenings, it combines the sweetness of butternut squash with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash (about 1 medium squash)
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned.
- Add Main Ingredients and Spices: Stir in the cubed butternut squash, rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until the squash and lentils are tender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until creamy and smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or spices as needed. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting fall soup.
Notes
- Add coconut milk for extra creaminess and richness.
- This soup freezes wonderfully — store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth or water during blending.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
