Ingredients (serves 6 - perfect to add some to the freezer) :
- 1 kg carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, and chopped
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 500 mL water (plus an additional 250 mL for the lentils)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika - fresh ginger (to taste) - garlic (to taste)
- 200 g red lentils, rinsed
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (optional, for sautéing onion)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat (optional). Add the diced brown onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the chopped carrots and butternut squash to the pot. Stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
3. Add Liquid:
- Dissolve the vegetable stock cube in 500 mL of water, then pour it into the pot with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook Until Soft:
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup:
- Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. You can also transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender, but be cautious with the hot liquid.
6. Add Lentils:
- Stir in the rinsed red lentils and the additional 250 mL of water. Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
7. Season to Taste:
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Store:
- Enjoy the soup warm, optionally served with bread or cracker bread for extra fullness.
- To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- When ready to eat from frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Feel free to add any additional spices or herbs to customise the flavour according to your preference!
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious soup!
Comments