Warm Lentil Salad With Balsamic Roast Squash

Name: Warm Lentil Salad With Balsamic Roast Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds kabocha or butternut squash, peeled and cut in small dice (about 3 cups peeled and diced, weighing 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), or 1 large acorn squash, cut in half*; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons if using acorn squash); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; For the lentils:; 1 cup black lentils (also known as beluga lentils), green Le Puy lentils, or a mixture, rinsed; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 onion (intact); 1 quart water; Salt to taste; For the salad:; 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, ground; Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon walnut oil; 1/4 cup chopped or slivered flat leaf parsley

Servings: persons

2 pounds kabocha or butternut squash, peeled and cut in small dice (about 3 cups peeled and diced, weighing 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), or 1 large acorn squash, cut in half*
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons if using acorn squash)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For the lentils:
1 cup black lentils (also known as beluga lentils), green Le Puy lentils, or a mixture, rinsed
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 onion (intact)
1 quart water
Salt to taste
For the salad:
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, ground
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon walnut oil
1/4 cup chopped or slivered flat leaf parsley

1
*If using acorn squash, place in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes before cutting in half and seeding. It will be much easier to cut.
2
1. Combine the lentils, ginger, turmeric, onion, water, and salt to taste in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a moderate bubble until the lentils have softened and produced a flavorful broth, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove the onion and discard. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils.
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2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. If using cut up squash, place in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat. If using acorn squash, spoon a tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar into both cavities, season with salt, brush with olive oil, and place cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and when cool enough to handle remove the skin and cut the squash into dice.
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3. In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together the vinegars, mustard, salt and pepper, olive oil, and walnut oil. Toss with the lentils and return to the saucepan. Add a few tablespoons of the lentil broth, stir in the parsley and heat through.
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4. Place the squash in the middle of a wide bowl or serving platter, surround with the lentil salad and serve.
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Advance preparation: The cooked lentils will keep for 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the broth in a jar and moisten if desired when you reheat. The squash will keep for 2 or 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or in a medium-low oven.

1859

kcal

Calories

202

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 pounds kabocha or butternut squash, peeled and cut in small dice (about 3 cups peeled and diced, weighing 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), or 1 large acorn squash, cut in half*, Salt to taste, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons if using acorn squash), 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and more.

Yes, Warm Lentil Salad With Balsamic Roast Squash falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!