Red lentil and squash soup: a vegetarian lunch recipe for women in menopause

A vegetarian lunch from Suggestic's recipe library, part of HerStack's meal plans and recipes for women in perimenopause and after the menopause. Written in UK measures, with allergens listed.

Red lentil and squash soup

Serves 2. 30 minutes. Allergens: celery, plus any in the shop-bought products noted.

960ml vegetable stock: Stock varies by brand: most UK stock cubes contain celery and some contain wheat, so check the label of the one you use.

Ingredients

• 190g red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 280g butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 960ml vegetable stock
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander

Method

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Sauté for another minute to release the spices' flavors.
4. Add the chopped butternut squash, carrot, and celery to the pot, and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Pour in the red lentils and vegetable stock. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
7. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Take the pan off the heat and blend with a stick blender until smooth, keeping the blade under the surface.
10. Serve the Red Lentil and Squash Soup hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

General information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, follow a medical diet or take medication, speak to your GP or pharmacist before changing your diet or taking a supplement. Allergen information is based on the ingredients listed. Brands and formulations vary, so check every product label for ingredients, allergens and precautionary warnings; these recipes are not guaranteed free from any allergen. Recipes from Suggestic's recipe library. Published by Suggestic Inc, which is the sole author and editor of this site.