Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry

$To create a rich and tasty Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry, gather these ingredients: - Medium butternut squash, diced - Green or brown lentils, rinsed - Coconut milk - Diced tomatoes - Chopped onion - Minced garlic - Fresh ginger - Red curry paste - Ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric) - Seasonings (salt, black pepper) - Vegetable broth - Garnishes (fresh cilantro, rice or quinoa) Each item plays a key role in building flavor. The butternut squash brings sweetness and creaminess. Lentils add protein and heartiness. Coconut milk creates a smooth texture, while diced tomatoes add acidity. Onion, garlic, and ginger give depth and warmth. The red curry paste and spices bring a delightful kick. You can mix and match the lentils or use different squash types. The choice of rice or quinoa as a base adds texture and nutrients. Don't forget the fresh cilantro for a bright finish! - Combine butternut squash, lentils, onion, garlic, and ginger. - Mix thoroughly for even distribution. First, you need to prep the base. Peel and cut the butternut squash into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Rinse the lentils to remove any dust. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Grate the ginger to add a fresh kick. Toss all these ingredients into your slow cooker. Stir them well to mix everything together. - Stir in red curry paste and ground spices. - Pour coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Now it’s time to add flavor. Take the red curry paste and mix it in with the other ingredients. This paste brings a nice heat and depth. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Give it another good stir. Next, pour in the creamy coconut milk and the diced tomatoes. Add the vegetable broth last. This liquid will help cook everything. Mix it all well so every bite is full of flavor. - Instructions for low setting (6-8 hours). - Instructions for high setting (3-4 hours). Cover your slow cooker with the lid. For a rich taste, set it to low for 6 to 8 hours. If you're short on time, the high setting works too, cooking in 3 to 4 hours. You know it’s ready when the lentils and squash are soft enough to pierce with a fork. After cooking, stir the curry again to blend the flavors. Adjust any seasonings if needed. Enjoy the warm, hearty meal with rice or quinoa, topped with fresh cilantro. - Adjusting seasoning before serving: After slow cooking, taste your curry. You might want to add more salt or spices. This small step brightens the dish and makes the flavors pop. - Mashing butternut squash for creaminess: To make your curry creamy, mash some of the squash. Use a fork to gently press it against the slow cooker’s sides. This adds a nice texture and richness to your dish. - Serving suggestions with rice or quinoa: Serve your curry over warm rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base and makes the meal more filling. - Using fresh cilantro and lime for garnish: Top your curry with fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime adds a burst of flavor. This simple touch makes every bite more refreshing and appealing. {{image_4}} You can switch lentils for other legumes. Try chickpeas or black beans for a fun twist. Each legume gives a unique taste and texture. You can also use different types of squash. Acorn squash or pumpkin works well too. Each will add its own flavor to the curry. Want your curry milder? Use less red curry paste or add more coconut milk. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance the spice. For a spicier kick, add more red curry paste. Fresh chilies or cayenne pepper can also heat things up. Adjust the spices slowly to find your best flavor. This curry is vegan by nature. All ingredients are plant-based, making it a great choice. If you want gluten-free, check your broth and curry paste. Most brands are safe, but it’s best to confirm. Enjoy a delicious meal that fits your dietary needs! To keep your Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Let the curry cool to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. - Freezing: For longer storage, portion the curry into freezer-safe containers. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you're ready to enjoy your curry again, here’s how to reheat it: - Stovetop method: Pour the curry into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often until it reaches your desired temperature. - Microwave method: Place the curry in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Ensure it’s hot all the way through before serving. These methods will help keep the flavors intact and make your meal quick and easy! Yes, you can make this curry ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. Just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving. This curry pairs well with cooked rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with naan bread for a nice touch. A fresh salad or some roasted veggies add great color and crunch. You can use canned lentils, but it’s best to add them near the end. Canned lentils are already cooked. If you add them too soon, they may turn mushy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about three to four days. For longer storage, freeze the curry in a freezer-safe container. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out. Just reheat your portions when you are ready to eat. This saves time and makes meals easy. This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry combines simple ingredients for big taste. We diced squash, added lentils, and mixed in spices. You can adjust flavors and serve it with rice or quinoa. Remember, you can change the ingredients to fit your taste. Store any leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later. Enjoy experimenting with this easy and healthy recipe!$

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry

Discover the warmth of Hearty Butternut Squash Lentil Curry, a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal! Dive into the rich flavors of butternut squash, lentils, and spices, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This comforting recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make! Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. #ButternutSquash #LentilCurry #SlowCookerRecipes #HealthyEating

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Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes

1 cup green or brown lentils, well rinsed

1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

2 tablespoons red curry paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 cups vegetable broth

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Instructions

In a slow cooker, add the peeled and diced butternut squash, rinsed lentils, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix the base ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Next, incorporate the red curry paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir again until everything is nicely combined.

Pour in the coconut milk and the can of diced tomatoes, along with the vegetable broth. Give it a good mix so that all flavors meld together.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to the low setting for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until both the lentils and butternut squash are tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the cooking time is up, stir the curry to combine the ingredients. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices if desired. For added creaminess, gently mash some of the butternut squash against the sides of the slow cooker.

Serve the curry hot over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa, and top with fresh cilantro leaves for a fragrant finish.

Preparation Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 6-8 hours (slow cooking time) | Serves 4

- Präsentationstipps: Dish the curry into deep serving bowls, adding a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Serve with a wedge of lime on the side to enhance the flavors with a refreshing splash of citrus!