Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup: Irresistibly Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

I remember the first time I made Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and the leaves were painting the town in hues of orange and gold. I was craving something warm, hearty, and comforting. That’s when this delightful soup came into my life, filling my kitchen with aromas that wrapped around me like a cozy blanket.

Each time I make Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup, it feels like coming home. The simple act of chopping butternut squash and dicing onions becomes a meditative process. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching the ingredients transform from their raw state into a delicious, nourishing meal.

This Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a ritual. From the moment you start sautéing onions to the final sprinkle of fresh herbs, it’s an experience of flavors and textures coming together in harmony. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor every spoonful.

Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup has become a staple in my kitchen, a testament to the power of wholesome ingredients and simple cooking. Let’s dive into the fundamentals of crafting this comforting dish.

Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup

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• Author: Aria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: International

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Description

Discover how to make a delicious Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup that is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for cozy nights in. Try our recipe now!

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (2.5 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (2.5 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (1 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (0.5 g)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (960 ml)
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (200 g)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (410 g)
• 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (30 g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the cubed butternut squash and sliced carrots to the pot.
5. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
6. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
7. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Add the dried lentils to the pot.
9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
11. Simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash and lentils are tender.
12. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices.
13. Add the chopped kale or spinach to the soup.
14. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
15. Stir in the fresh lemon juice just before serving.
16. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
17. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

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Notes

• Consider enhancing the flavor by roasting the butternut squash and carrots before adding them to the soup.
• Make the soup creamier by blending a portion with an immersion blender before adding the diced tomatoes.
• Customize the soup by incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup Basics

Fundamentals

The essence of Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Start with fresh butternut squash, its vibrant color and sweet flavor at the heart of the dish. Alongside, earthy lentils provide a protein-rich base, making this soup both hearty and nutritious.

Spices play a critical role in elevating the flavors of Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup. Ground cumin and coriander add warmth, while smoked paprika introduces a subtle, smoky depth. A touch of black pepper enhances these spices, bringing balance to the overall flavor profile.

Preparation/setup

Begin by assembling all your ingredients. Having everything prepared ahead of time makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cube the butternut squash. Slice the carrots, and measure out the spices and lentils.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This initial step sets the stage for the flavors to develop as the onions sauté until translucent. It’s crucial to get this right, as it forms the aromatic base of your Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup.

Crafting the Perfect Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup

Technique

Once your onions are ready, add the garlic and let it cook briefly to release its fragrance. Introduce the butternut squash and carrots, stirring well to coat them in the aromatic base. This step ensures that each piece absorbs the flavors of the spices.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. The broth acts as a vehicle, carrying the flavors of Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup throughout the dish. Add the lentils, allowing them to cook and absorb the rich flavors of the soup.

Tips/tricks

To ensure your Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup is perfectly seasoned, taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, keeping in mind that the soup will continue to develop flavors as it simmers.

If you want more inspiration for soups, check out soups, stews, and salads. For those who love squash-based soups, you might enjoy this creamy butternut squash soup.

Achieving the Ideal Consistency in Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup

Perfecting results

After simmering the soup for 25-30 minutes, check the texture of the squash and lentils. They should be tender but not mushy. Stir in the diced tomatoes and greens, cooking just until the greens wilt. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup.

The addition of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors, adding a touch of acidity that complements the sweetness of the squash and the earthiness of the lentils.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup is too thick, simply add more vegetable broth until you reach the desired consistency. For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in.

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables or spices. For a different twist, try adding sweet potatoes or zucchini. You can also explore more variations by visiting creamy Polish dill pickle soup.

Serving and Storing Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup

Serving/presentation

Serve your Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. The herbs add a pop of color and a fresh aroma, enhancing the overall presentation. Each bowl is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. If you’re interested in more soup ideas, explore our soups, stews, and salads collection.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftover Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

For more serving suggestions and storage tips, visit our soups, stews, and salads page, and keep your menu exciting with a variety of delicious options.

Conclusion

Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings together the sweetness of squash, the earthiness of lentils, and the warmth of spices. It’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any meal plan.

Whether you’re serving it on a cold day or enjoying it as a light meal, this soup offers versatility and flavor. Its rich texture and vibrant taste make it a favorite for anyone seeking a wholesome, vegan-friendly option.

With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart. Enjoy the process of making Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup and share the joy with family and friends.

FAQs – Vegan Butternut Squash Lentil Soup