Curried-Squash and Red-Lentil Soup

A hearty and aromatic soup combining tender butternut squash, red lentils, and warm curry spices, finished with a vibrant cilantro oil drizzle. This comforting soup brings together Indian-inspired flavors with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich lentils.

6 servings
1 hr 9 min

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • pound butternut squash
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 whole carrot
  • 1 rib celery
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons ginger
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 quarts water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup cilantro
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • to taste basmati rice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oil with butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat until foam subsides, then cook squash, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, ginger, and 1 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    Stir in curry powder and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes.

    2 min

  3. 3.

    Add lentils and water and simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, 25 to 40 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

    40 min

  4. 4.

    Purée cilantro, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Serve soup drizzled with cilantro oil.

    2 min

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