Soups & Stews > Slow Cooker Soups & Stews > Slow Cooker Vegetarian Soups & Stews > Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Recipe
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
A creamy and comforting vegetarian soup featuring butternut squash, red lentils, and warming spices. This slow cooker recipe is incredibly easy and yields a flavorful, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, peeled, seeded, and cubed Butternut Squash
- 1 cup Red Lentils
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut Milk
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon, grated fresh Ginger
- 2 teaspoons Curry Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish Cilantro
Place the butternut squash, red lentils, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Slow Cooking Process
Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the butternut squash and lentils are tender. The lentils should be soft enough to blend easily.
Blending the Soup
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Adding Coconut Milk and Lime
Stir in the coconut milk and lime juice. Heat through gently if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. You can also add a dollop of coconut cream or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product
Calories: Approximately 95kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Other Considerations for Nutrition
This soup is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. The use of coconut milk adds healthy fats. To reduce the fat content, use light coconut milk. Adjust spices to your preference.
FAQ
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Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?
Yes, using pre-cut butternut squash will save you time. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size. -
Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes, you can substitute with other winter squashes like acorn squash or kabocha squash. The cooking time might need slight adjustments. -
Can I make this soup without coconut milk?
Yes, you can omit the coconut milk. Consider adding a little more vegetable broth or a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for a creamier texture. You can also stir in some plain yogurt after blending. -
How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
This soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.