Maple-Roasted Squash and Lentils

Ingredients

• peeled butternut squash, cubed (900 g)
• extra-virgin olive oil, divided (42 g)
• pure maple syrup (20 g)
• dried thyme (1 g)
• fine salt, divided (6 g)
• black pepper, divided (1 g)
• dry green lentils, rinsed (190 g)
• 3 cups water for simmering (720 g)
• 1 dried bay leaf (1 g)
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (45 g)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 g)
• 1/3 cup finely diced red onion (55 g)
• 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (30 g)
• 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (45 g)

Instructions

1. Roast setup. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash with 14 g oil, maple syrup, thyme, half the salt, and half the pepper. Arrange on a large metal pan in one uncrowded layer.
2. Cook lentils. Combine rinsed lentils, water, and bay leaf. Simmer gently for 20 to 24 minutes until tender but intact. Drain thoroughly in a fine sieve and discard the bay leaf.
3. Finish squash. Roast squash 28 to 32 minutes, turning after 20 minutes. Remove when flat faces are deep golden and a knife enters the centers easily, accepting natural color variation among cubes.
4. Dress. Whisk vinegar, mustard, remaining oil, salt, and pepper. Toss warm lentils with half the dressing and red onion, coating them evenly without crushing their round shape.
5. Assemble. Fold roasted squash into lentils with a broad spoon. Add parsley and pumpkin seeds, spoon over remaining dressing where needed, and transfer to a wide platter for eight side portions. Check the final texture and color before portioning, using the visual cue from the method rather than the clock alone. Check the final texture and color before portioning, using the visual cue from the method rather than the clock alone.

Notes

• Leave gaps around squash cubes to develop browned faces.
• Stop cooking lentils while they are tender but still round and drain them well.
• Refrigerate components for up to 2 days; add pumpkin seeds immediately before serving. Cool or hold the finished dish as directed before packing leftovers. Cool or hold the finished dish as directed before packing leftovers.

Nutrition Facts