Hearty Comfort Bowl with Roasted Butternut Squash and Lentils

This hearty comfort bowl is packed with roasted butternut squash, lentils, red onion, and cilantro. It's a warm and filling meal that's perfect for a cold night.

This recipe was inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant in Portland, Oregon. I loved the combination of sweet butternut squash, earthy lentils, and bright red onion. I decided to recreate the dish at home, and this is the result. I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and sorted
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
4. While the squash is roasting, rinse the lentils and cook them in the vegetable broth according to the package directions.
5. Once the lentils are cooked, fluff them with a fork.
6. To assemble the bowls, place a scoop of lentils in each bowl, top with the roasted butternut squash, red onion, and cilantro.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why It Works

• The combination of roasted butternut squash and lentils creates a hearty and filling meal.
• The red onion adds a bit of brightness and crunch to the dish.
• The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• The dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.