South Indian–Inspired Squash & Red Lentil Curry
Tender lentils and late-September Washington butternut squash simmer with ginger, tomato, and warm spices for a cozy weeknight curry.
This recipe may need another look before cooking.
It scored 7/10, below our 8/10 retry mark.
- Total time: 45 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $4
- Calories per serving: 530 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Simple Truth Organic® Red Lentils1/2 cup dry $3.49
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Butternut Squash1 1/4 lb whole, yielding about 12 oz peeled $1.49
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Kroger® Long Grain Brown Rice1/2 cup dry $0.99
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Jumbo Yellow Onions1/4 lb $0.89
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Fresh Roma Tomato1/4 lb $1.29
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Kroger® Whole Garlic Bulbs2 cloves $2.99
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Spice World™ Fresh Peeled Ginger Bag1 tablespoon grated $3.99
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Neutral oil1 tablespoon
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Brown mustard seeds1 teaspoon
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Cumin seeds1/2 teaspoon
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Ground turmeric1/2 teaspoon
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Red pepper flakes1/4 teaspoon
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Diamond Crystal kosher salt2 1/2 teaspoons
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Apple cider vinegar1 teaspoon
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Prepare the vegetables and aromatics:
- Peel 1 1/4 lb whole butternut squash and cut the roughly 12 oz of flesh into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Dice 1/4 lb yellow onion.
- Dice 1/4 lb Roma tomato.
- Mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Grate 1 tablespoon ginger.
Keep each prepared ingredient separate.
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Rinse 1/2 cup brown rice. Bring it to a boil in a covered saucepan with 1 1/4 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Reduce to low, cook for 25 minutes, then remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Start the curry while the rice cooks.
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Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a second saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds and 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds; stir for about 30 seconds, until the mustard seeds begin to pop.
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Add the prepared onion and 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the prepared tomato, garlic, and ginger with 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
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Stir in 1/2 cup dry red lentils, the prepared squash, 1 3/4 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and the lentils have softened into a thick curry.
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Stir 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar into the curry. Fluff the rested rice, spoon it into two bowls, and top with the curry.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: A chilled Riesling balances the ginger and gentle heat.