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Slow Cooker Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Stew

Slow Cooker Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Stew

The ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Stew is an easy weeknight dinner packed with nutrients. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it's perfect for cold winter nights.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small onion
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 large butternut squash
  • 1 cup dried red lentils
  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • to taste sea salt
  • to taste fresh ground pepper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Peeler

Method
 

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion, celery, and carrot into small pieces. The smaller the cuts, the quicker they’ll soften in the slow cooker. You want everything to be uniform for even cooking.
  2. In your slow cooker, combine all of the prepared ingredients: the chopped onion, celery, carrot, butternut squash, and red lentils. It’s like a colorful mosaic of fresh veggies and legumes!
  3. Next, add in the vegetable stock. This will be the liquid that brings everything together, creating a rich and hearty stew. Pour it over the mixture, making sure everything is submerged.
  4. Sprinkle in the dried sage and oregano. These herbs are essential, giving the stew its aromatic flavor. Don’t forget the salt and pepper—season to your taste!
  5. Set your slow cooker to low and cover it. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully. You can go about your day knowing a delicious meal is waiting for you!
  6. As it cooks, the butternut squash and lentils will soften and blend into the broth, creating a creamy texture. About an hour before it’s done, check the consistency. If it seems too thick, add a little more stock or water.
  7. Once the cooking time is up, check to ensure the squash and lentils are tender. You should be able to easily mash the squash with a spoon.
  8. Give the stew a good stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors even further.
  9. Serve immediately! Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.
Freezing: This stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Pairing: Serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Variations: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or legumes to customize the stew.