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Butternut and lentil soup in a white bowl with green sauce on top.
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4.97 from 31 votes

Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup

This recipe for Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup uses pantry-friendly ingredients and is quick and affordable to make, with an option for oil-free.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 422kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 cup red lentils rinsed and drained
  • 14 ½ ounces diced tomatoes canned, with juice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth plus more for cooking
  • 1 medium butternut squash cut into ¾-inch pieces (3 cups)
  • ¼ teaspoon garam masala
  • Coconut milk canned, to taste (optional)
  • Unsweetened non-dairy milk to taste (optional)
  • Fresh lime juice to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  • Cook spices: Add the curry powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute more.
  • Combine: Add the red lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and butternut squash. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil before reducing the heat. Simmer with the lid on for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked and the squash is just tender.
  • Add the garam masala and mix.
  • Blend: Use an immersion blender to [partially blend the soup until the desired consistency. Otherwise, Transfer 2 cups of the curry (without the squash) to a blender. Blend until mostly smooth. Return to the saucepan.
  • Add liquid: Stir in the desired amount of coconut milk, vegetable broth, or non-dairy milk until the desired consistency. Heat until warmed through, adding more broth, coconut milk, or non-dairy milk as needed.
  • Season: Add fresh lime juice to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • For oil-free, substitute the olive oil for vegetable broth.
  • Add the garam masala towards the end of the cooking process to maximize flavor.
  • Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup. Otherwise, blend the soup in batches. Do not fill the blender more than halfway. Remove the center cap and cover it with a dishcloth so the steam can escape. Hold the cloth down while blending.
  • For a smoother soup, feel free to blend completely. 
  • Add a drizzle of my Everything Cashew Sauce

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 1795mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 26856IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 8mg