Serving saucy lentils in squash halves is a sure-fire way to elevate your plant-based menu. And, yes, the whole bowl is edible, skin and all. If desired, you can add dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Spice of life
Garam masala, a blend of spices traditionally used in Indian cooking, usually includes cardamom, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, fennel, cumin, and coriander. It’s great on roasted meats and vegetables.
Curried Lentil Stuffed Squash
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) butter or dairy-free butter alternative, melted
- 2 tsp (10 mL) honey
- 1 tsp (5 mL) garam masala
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, divided
- 2 tsp (10 mL) grapeseed oil or avocado oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup (250 mL) finely diced carrot
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) chopped gingerroot
- 1 tsp (5 mL) ground coriander
- 1 tsp (5 mL) turmeric
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
- 1 cup (250 mL) red lentils, uncooked
- 2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) sliced toasted almonds
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories338
- protein13 g
- total fat15 g
- sat. fat3 g
- total carbohydrates56 g
- sugars8 g
- fibre12 g
- sodium324 mg
Directions
01
Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
02
Halve squash through the stem end and scoop out seeds and stringy bits. On rimmed baking sheet, place squash halves cut side up. If necessary, cut a small slice off the bottom of each half so they rest flat. In small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, garam masala, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt; brush all over cut sides of squash. Bake until squash is easily pierced with sharp knife, about 40 to 45 minutes.
03
Meanwhile, in medium-sized saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion, carrot, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt; heat until vegetables are softened; about 5 minutes. Add garlic and gingerroot; heat for 1 minute. Stir coriander, turmeric, cayenne, and black pepper into pan and heat for 30 seconds. Place lentils, tomatoes, and 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) water in pan, bring to a simmer, and cook, covered, until lentils are tender, stirring a couple of times, about 15 minutes. If needed, add additional water to pan during cooking.
04
Scoop lentils into baked squash and top with almonds.
Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD
Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD, is a nutrition writer and recipe developer. He’s also the author of Rocket Fuel and Muffin Tin Chef.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Roasted Roots and Lentils with Tahini Dressing and Zesty Herbs
Spooned over hearty fall greens such as kale or chard, this delicious side dish can also double as a main meal; its flavours absolutely pop with our zesty herb topping. The beets are packed with amazing nutrients, plus they’re delicious served hot, at room temperature, or cold. Add some crunch This dish is a meal in itself. Scatter toasted pine nuts or pecans overtop for some added crunch.
Broccoli ’Bou Stir-Fry
“One of my favourite stir-fry meals is broccoli beef, so when I found myself with several hundred pounds of Yukon Mountain caribou this past fall, I figured a ’bou backstrap would be an excellent game replacement,” says Cosco. “Paired with a side of rice, this quick game meal is ready to go.” Note to those afraid of cranking the heat: “The pan needs to be ripping hot to give an immediate sear,” says Cosco. Take a deep breath, and go for it. What’s backstrap? Backstrap comes from the caribou’s longissimus dorsi, the muscle that runs along the spine. Beef striploin would be a good substitution for the lean meat, says Cosco. The slices should be cut to the classic length of fajita strips, about 1/2 in (1.25 cm) wide.
BC Spot Prawn Pasta
Simple and quick, this spot prawn pasta combines local, juicy seafood with a touch of heat. If you can’t find a fresh Fresno chili pepper, use a red jalapeño or a tiny bit of fresh cayenne pepper instead. Heads or shells—on or off? Cosco serves the prawns with the shells and heads on, but if you’re not catching your own spot prawns, buy ones with the heads removed. Prawns and shrimp release an enzyme from their heads when they die that makes the flesh black and mushy. Cooking prawns in their shells adds flavour, and the shells come off easily once cooked, but they can be a bit messy—especially when camping—so feel free to remove them before cooking or buy a smaller quantity of shelled prawns or shrimp if you’re worried about everyone’s fingers smelling of seafood all night.
Cocoa Reishi Smoothie Bowl
Delicious for breakfast or even an afternoon snack, this breakfast bowl is so thick and creamy, it looks and tastes like dessert! The real kick is the essential reishi mushroom powder, which is thought to contribute immune system support. On its own, it can be a bit bitter, but locked into this chocolatey dish, it’s definitely a winner. Reishi health benefits Reishi mushroom powder is well known for its immunomodulating components. This may be the reason that many people opt to include reishi powder in their diets to boost their health during cancer therapies. In Asian countries, it’s been used for thousands of years because of its suggested well-being and longevity effects.