Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Spiced Lentil and Roasted Squash Detox

Lentils make for a delicious, versatile dish that is super easy to prepare, is a good source of plant-based protein, low in calories, and perfect for detoxing from too much Halloween candy. The acorn squash also has plenty of fiber and is a good source of vitamin C and potassium (great for balancing out too many peanut butter cups). So when you're stuffing millions of tiny candy wrappers in the trash, or just want a healthy meatless dinner, reach for this recipe - it's one of my favorites.

Spiced Lentils in Roasted Squash - serves 4
1lb green lentils
1 cup mirepoix
1 T olive oil
vegetable stock ~ about 20oz
2 bay leaves
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ginger powder
salt & pepper to taste

2 acorn squash
olive oil
nutmeg
salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 400Âș F

Rinse the lentils well and pick them over thoroughly.

In an oven-safe pot with a lid (such as a 2 qt saucepan or a cocotte) heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Saute the mirepoix until the onions are just beginning to turn translucent.  Add the lentils and combine. Add vegetable stock until the lentils are covered and there is about a quarter of an inch of stock above the line of the lentils. Add the bay leaf, curry powder and ginger powder. Cover pot with lid and place in the oven to cook about 35-45 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

After you place the lentils in the oven begin on the squash. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Rub with olive oil and season to taste with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Place squash on a cookie sheet and bake until tender; about 25-35 minutes.

When both squash and lentils are tender stuff the squash with the lentils and serve with a fresh green salad. You will have leftover lentils. This is on purpose since these are great to bring to work the next day with your favorite vegetables or you can warm them with another pint+ of vegetable stock and some chopped tomato for a quick 'n easy lentil soup. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with buttered garlic toast.

Of course, if you're still pining for something a little rich you can pair the lentils with a roasted Cornish hen. Here they are with an herb cream sauce made with pan juices and Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey Liqueur.

Bon appetit!

22 comments:

  1. This is gorgeous. I love stuffing squash with healthy goodness. After my Halloween candy dinner, I detoxed yesterday too! I'm gonna remember this one. What a yummy combo.

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  2. Sounds wonderful! I have a turban squash I'd like to stuff, so this is definitely good inspiration :)

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  3. Mmm...two of my favorite things, squash and lentils! This is a keeper! Thank you!

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  4. This is a great one to have when you feel that you have indulged way too much (like after halloween) I love squash and your filling mix does have some tasty ingredients. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. This looks like a really satisfying dish...love that you just mention the side of cornish hen at the end.

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  6. What a wonderful recipe!!!! Two of my absolute favorite things.

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  7. Love lentils and squash and they do go well together.

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  8. Now this is my kind of dish!! I love lentils!!

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  9. I love it! Squash and lentils! Another great use for lentils! Yum!

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  10. Great combo; for a healthy and vitamin-packed dish :D

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  11. Love the look of this healthy dish and a real winter warmer. Must try it - thanks!

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  12. Oh yay! Healthy and delicious! Thanks for sharing this on our bloghop! :)

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  13. whoohoo for this delightful roasted acorn squash. i love stuffing mine with quinoa. but i always wondered how to eat this gracefully hahaha. :) have a great day! #squashlove

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  14. Oh, wow. This is gorgeous. I love that you speak squash ;-).

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  15. I love lentils and never thought about them in squash. Great idea.

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  16. roasting a pumpkin is something i want to try. i've seen it in other blogs too that's why im intrigued. it has inspired me though to tweak another filipino recipe using this method.
    thanks for the inspiration,
    malou

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  17. Amazing, beautiful presentation!!!

    Nice hop, Jennifer ;-)

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  18. I've never cooked with lentils, but they look really good. I really like the roasted bird with the sauce though. I've got a few cornish hens in the freezer and some Jack on the counter. I think I may try this this week!

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  19. I love roasted acorn squash and lentils are a perfect stuffing...thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!

    #squashlove

    Jen

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  20. Nice! I love just devouring a acorn squash after it has been baked. Love the addition of some beautiful lentils with some squash! Hugs, Terra

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  21. Looks delicious, thanks for sharing the recipe!

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