Palestinian Lentil and Squash Soup
A hearty and comforting soup featuring the earthy flavors of red lentils and the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, enhanced with aromatic spices. This soup is a nourishing and flavorful introduction to Palestinian home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 pounds Butternut squash(peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil(divided)
- 1 large Yellow onion(finely chopped)
- 4 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1.5 cups Dried red lentils(rinsed)
- 6 cups Vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for croutons (optional) Za'atar
- for croutons (optional) Crusty bread
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
- 2
While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry skillet over low heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add them to the pot with the onions and garlic, along with the ground cinnamon.
- 4
Add the rinsed red lentils and 4 cups of the stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 5
Add the roasted butternut squash, the remaining 2 cups of stock, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the lentils are fully cooked and tender.
- 6
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender.
- 7
If making za'atar croutons, toss bread cubes with a little olive oil and za'atar, then toast in the oven or a skillet until golden and crisp. Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Roasting the squash beforehand intensifies its sweetness and flavor.
- ✓Adjust the consistency by adding more stock if the soup is too thick.
- ✓This soup freezes well.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes along with the squash.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken or lamb broth instead of vegetable stock.