Name: Harvest Dal: Creamy Squash & Tomato Dream
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3 1/2 cups water; 2 tablespoons curry paste; 1 cup red lentils; 2 cups cubed butternut squash; 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes

This harvest squash dal is a comforting and deeply flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. It combines the creamy sweetness of butternut squash with the bright burst of cherry tomatoes, all simmered in a rich, spiced lentil base. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and more special occasions. Each spoonful of this squash dal offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, from the tender lentils to the soft squash and bursting tomatoes. It’s a vegetarian and naturally gluten-free meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, proving that hearty comfort food can be healthy too.

⏱ Time: 45 min

👥 Servings: 4-6

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 10 ingredients

Harvest Dal: Creamy Squash & Tomato Dream

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Prep Time 45

Total Time 45

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon yellow curry powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons curry paste
1 cup red lentils
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes

Method

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ginger and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the curry powder and red pepper flakes and cook another minute. Slowly add the water.
Add the curry paste, red lentils, butternut squash, and 1 cup of the cherry tomatoes. Season generously with salt.
Bring the mix to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes, until the lentils are soft and the tomatoes have burst.
To serve, spoon the dal over bowls of rice. Top as desired with cilantro, spiced oil, and pomegranates. Serve with Naan on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

– Use good quality curry powder and paste for the best flavor.
– Don’t skip seasoning generously with salt throughout the cooking process.
– Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
– Serve with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream for extra richness.

Pro tips

Use good quality curry powder and paste for the best flavor.
Don’t skip seasoning generously with salt throughout the cooking process.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Serve with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream for extra richness.

This harvest squash dal is a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. Enjoy this comforting and vibrant dish any time of year.

Try this next: Moroccan Lentil Soup: Cozy & Flavorful Comfort!