Lentils and Butternut Squash

Lentils and Butternut Squash

Lentils and Butternut Squash

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
  • 4 teaspoons sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 3 cups chicken stock or water
  • 2 cups dry brown lentils
  • 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 handfuls baby spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons roasted pine nuts, chopped

Vinaigrette:

  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400º F.  On a large rimmed baking sheet add the butternut squash cubes, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.  Toss to coat the squash.  Bake for 30-40 minutes.  Test doneness by piercing the squash with a fork.  Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.  Add the lentils, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons black pepper, sub-dried tomatoes and turn to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.  Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.

  3. In a small bowl mix the vinaigrette ingredients.

  4. In a large bowl add the spinach, parsley, pine nuts, squash, lentils and vinaigrette.  Toss to combine and serve immediately

OPTIONAL:

Combine the lentils and squash in 1 cup containers to eat as a snack, warm or cold!

by-living-health

Recipe by Living Health