Lentils With Butternut Squash Recipes

EASY BUTTERNUT SQUASH RECIPE WITH LENTIL AND QUINOA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425F.
• Microwave butternut squash for 2 to 3 minutes (this will help with peeling and cutting.) Handle carefully.
• Place squash on a cutting board on it's side and cut both ends. Keeping the squash on its side, hold with one hand, and with the other, peel using a sharp vegetable peeler like this one. Cut lengthwise into halves. And using a spoon, scoop out the seeds. Slice each half into strips, and each strip into cubes.
• Place cubed butternut squash on a large baking sheet. Season with salt. Sprinkle with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cumin (remainder of each spice will be used later.) Drizzle generously with private reserve extra virgin olive oil and toss.
• Spread the squash in one layer on the sheet pan, then place on middle rack of heated oven. At the 15 minute mark, carefully remove the sheet pan from oven add the garlic cloves and drizzle with a little olive oil. Toss squash cubes. Return to oven for another 10 minutes.
• While squash is roasting. Make the lentils and quinoa.
• Place black lentils in a sauce pan and add 3 cups of water. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer (with the cover somewhat tilted open ) for 20-25 minutes or so. Drain.
• Place rinsed quinoa in another saucepan. Add 2 cups of water. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid has completely absorbed.
• Place cooked lentils and quinoa in a large bowl, season with the remainder of spices and a little more salt. Toss a little to combine. Add the cooked butternut squash. Chop the roasted garlic and add. Then add scallions and fresh parsley.
• Toss all the ingredients together. Add fresh lemon juice to your taste (start with 2 tsp and go from there.) Add a generous drizzle of Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil. Toss everything well to combine. Taste to adjust salt or add more of the same spices as you like. Top with toasted almonds.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. You can set it aside to let the flavors meld before serving. You can prepare this in advance and keep in the fridge overnight (See notes.)

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH LENTILS AND FETA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pick any debris from the lentils, then rinse the lentils under running water. Transfer them to a medium saucepan, then add the cinnamon, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Add enough water to cover everything by 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and let simmer until the lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain the lentils, discard the cinnamon and garlic, then transfer the lentils to a large bowl.
• While the lentils cook, prepare the squash: Trim and discard the top and bottom ends of the squash. Peel the squash, halve it lengthwise, and remove and discard the strings and seeds. Slice the squash crosswise 1/4-inch thick and place the pieces on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast the squash until completely tender, slightly caramelized and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, and let cool for 10 minutes. Once cool, add to the lentils.
• While the squash cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, honey, cumin, cayenne and black pepper. Taste and season to taste with salt.
• Sprinkle the feta, scallions and pumpkin seeds over the lentils and squash. Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dressing over the lentils and squash. Serve warm or at room temperature, with the remaining dressing on the side.

LENTILS WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Halve, peel, and seed squash and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely chop shallot and in a shallow baking pan toss with squash, oil, curry powder, and salt and pepper to taste until combined well. Bake squash mixture in middle of oven until almost tender, about 15 minutes.
• Chop walnuts and sprinkle over squash. Bake squash mixture 10 minutes more, or until walnuts are lightly toasted and squash is tender.
• While squash is baking, in a saucepan of boiling water cook lentils until just tender but not falling apart, about 20 minutes. Drain lentils in a sieve and transfer to a bowl.
• To lentils add squash mixture, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste and toss until combined well.