Tunisian-Spiced Squash & Red Lentil Stew

Warm cumin and paprika make seasonal butternut squash and red lentils into a satisfying Tunisian-inspired stew in under an hour.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $7
  • Calories per serving: 450 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Organic red lentils
    3/4 cup dry $3.99
  • Organic butternut squash
    1 pound $1.66
  • Yellow onion
    1/2 medium $1.49
  • Organic garlic
    2 cloves $2.69
  • Roma tomatoes
    2 medium $2.89
  • Italian parsley
    2 tablespoons chopped $1.49
  • Lemon
    1/2 lemon $0.89
  • Olive oil
    1 tablespoon
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Sweet paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Morton kosher salt
    1 3/4 teaspoons, divided

Instructions

  1. Peel, seed, and cut 1 pound butternut squash into 3/4-inch cubes. Toss with 3/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt.

  2. Dice 1/2 medium yellow onion and 2 medium Roma tomatoes; mince 2 garlic cloves. Chop 2 tablespoons parsley and squeeze 1/2 lemon for about 1 tablespoon juice, keeping them separate.

  3. Rinse 3/4 cup dry red lentils in a sieve and drain.

  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally; add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  5. Add the tomatoes, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.

  6. Add the seasoned squash, rinsed lentils, 3 cups water, and 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 22–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and the lentils have thickened the stew.

  7. Stir in the lemon juice. Ladle into two bowls and scatter the parsley over each.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the mild chili heat and bright lemon.