Kabocha & Lentil Spiced Salad
Kabocha Squash and Lentil Spiced Salad
Kabocha squash and lentils are a perfect combo for a winter meal. This recipe is full of flavor and has a satisfying crunch. Lentils, pumpkin seeds, and squash are great for the gut and the spices give us a much needed immunity boost!
Don't be intimidated by cooking Kabocha Squash. It’s delicious and nutritious when prepared this simple way!
Ingredients
1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
4 cups warm soaking water
1 cup dried black lentils, picked over and rinsed
1 pound kabocha squash
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups fresh water
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon toasted pepitas
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450.
Cut your squash into 1/2 inch thick strips or cubes and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil, 1½ teaspoons of the vinegar, 1/2 of the sea salt, and the black pepper. Arrange the squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast on the lower rack until well browned and tender, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through roasting. Let the squash cool slightly. Decrease the oven temperature to 325℉
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the lentils, remaining salt, 1 tablespoon of the oil, the garlic, coriander, cumin, ginger, and cinnamon; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the 4 cups of water. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are soft. Drain well.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mustard, the remaining oil, and the remaining vinegar. Add the parsley and onion. Toss in the lentils and squash. Season with additional sea salt and pepper, to taste.
Pile on the mixed greens - we like arugula, spinach and roasted Brussel sprouts with this dish! Pile your lentils mixture and top with the golden roasted squash - sprinkle with pepitas and serve warm or at room temperature.
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