Persian-Inspired Lentil & Squash Bowls
Warmly spiced lentil-rice bowls with golden squash, sweet onions, and cooling yogurt celebrate Washington’s early-October squash harvest.
- Total time: 50 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $3
- Calories per serving: 650 cal
- Oven
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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La Preferida® Lentils (Dry)1/2 cup (about 3.5 oz) $1.59
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Kroger® Enriched Long Grain White Rice1/2 cup $1.79
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Butternut squash1 small squash, about 1 1/2 lb whole, yielding about 1 lb peeled and seeded $1.49
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Yellow onion1 medium-large onion (about 8 oz) $0.89
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Olive oil2 tablespoons
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Fine sea salt1 1/2 teaspoons, divided
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Ground cumin1 teaspoon
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Ground turmeric1/2 teaspoon
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Ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon
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Raisins2 tablespoons
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Plain yogurt1/2 cup
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Heat the oven to 425°F. Peel and seed 1 small butternut squash, about 1 1/2 lb whole, then cut its approximately 1 lb of flesh into 3/4-inch cubes. Peel and thinly slice 1 medium-large yellow onion (about 8 oz).
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On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss together:
- The cubed squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Spread into a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender with browned edges.
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Pick through and rinse 1/2 cup dry lentils. Put them in a small saucepan with 2 cups water and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until tender but still holding their shape. Drain any excess water.
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Rinse 1/2 cup long-grain white rice. Place it in a second small saucepan with 3/4 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing.
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While the lentils and rice cook, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and 3/8 teaspoon fine sea salt. Cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and deeply golden; lower the heat if the edges darken too quickly.
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Stir 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon into the golden onions and cook for 30 seconds. Add 2 tablespoons raisins and 2 tablespoons water. Cook for 1 minute, then reserve half of this spiced onion mixture for topping.
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Gently fold the cooked rice and drained lentils into the skillet with the unreserved spiced onion mixture. Warm over low heat for 1–2 minutes.
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Divide the lentil-rice mixture between two bowls. Arrange the roasted squash over one side, spoon the reserved spiced onions over the top, and add 1/4 cup plain yogurt to each bowl.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling complements the sweet squash and fragrant spices without overwhelming the lentils.