Butternut Squash Lentil Pie Recipe
A Hearty Vegetarian Delight
Discover > Healthy Living Through Food > Butternut Squash Lentil Pie: A Hearty Vegetarian Delight
Butternut Squash (how long does butternut squash last?) Lentil Pie is a hearty and nutritious dish that skillfully marries the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy richness of lentils (how long do lentils last?). As a vegetarian twist on the traditional pot pie, this recipe offers a fulfilling and comforting meal that's not only packed with flavor but also replete with health benefits. The protein-rich lentils and fiber-filled butternut squash make for a satisfying pie filling that caters to both vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences, as it can easily be adapted to exclude animal products.
For those ready to embark on creating this culinary masterpiece, having a well-equipped kitchen is essential. Ensure you have the necessary tools, including baking sheets to roast the butternut squash to perfection. To maintain the ideal consistency of the filling, be mindful of removing excess water from the squash. Consulting the recipe card provides a convenient reference point for the step-by-step instructions, ensuring a seamless cooking process.
When it's time to bring this savory delight to life, a sharp knife becomes your trusty companion for cutting the butternut squash with precision. The cooking time in a preheated oven guarantees that the flavors meld to perfection, creating a savory symphony that's ideal for special occasions. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering of friends, presenting the Butternut Squash Lentil Pie in a casserole-type dish adds an extra touch of elegance to this wholesome and delicious creation.
Preparing this savory pie is a straightforward process that involves baking to achieve a golden and flaky crust. The lentil filling, rich with seasoned butternut squash and green lentils, (how long do green lentils last?) is encased in dough and then baked in an oven until perfect. To start, cook lentils and transfer fresh butternut squash to an oven dish or pie dish. Add a pinch of salt to season the lentil filling and give it a delectable flavor.
What sets the Butternut Squash Lentil Pie apart is its versatility; it is suitable for a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday meal, or even as a staple in weekly meal planning. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to provide a fulfilling plant-based alternative to the traditional meat pot pie, without compromising on taste or texture. Before baking, don't forget to brush the butternut squash topping with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
Essential Ingredients
The success of a Butternut Squash Lentil Pie hinges on selecting quality ingredients for each component of the dish: the base, the filling, and the crust.
Preparing the Base
For a flavorful base that supports the filling, start with:
Butternut Squash: Usually one medium squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed.
Olive Oil: A splash for roasting the squash, enhancing its sweetness.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, emphasizing the natural flavors of the squash.
Sweet Potato: Optional, may be used alongside squash for added sweetness and texture.
Making the Filling
The filling brings the pie to life with its rich, savory flavors:
Lentils: One cup of dried lentils, rinsed and sorted.
Onion: One large onion, diced, as the aromatic base.
Garlic: Two cloves (how long do cloves last?), minced, for depth of flavor.
Carrot: A couple of carrots, diced, for sweetness and texture.
Vegetable Broth (how long does vegetable broth last?): About two cups to cook the lentils, imparting a gentle flavor.
Seasoning: A blend of sage, rosemary, and Italian seasoning, finely chopped or ground.
Sea Salt (how long does sea salt last?) and pepper: Adjust according to taste.
Ground Nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?): A pinch for warmth and complexity.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a fresh, herbaceous element.
Crafting the Crust
A pie isn't complete without the perfect crust:
Flour (how long does flour last?): Two and a half cups for the dough, preferably all-purpose.
Butter: One cup (two sticks), cold and cubed, for flakiness.
Egg: One, beaten, for binding the dough.
Salt: A pinch to balance the crust's flavor.
Ice Water: As needed, to bring the dough together.
Pie Crust: Ready-made or homemade, enough to cover the bottom and top of the pie.
Cooking Instructions
This section provides a step-by-step guide to assembling and baking a Butternut Squash Lentil Pie, ensuring a cohesive blend of flavors and textures. The instructions are precise to guarantee excellent results when followed correctly.
Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
Rinse lentils under water. Bring a pot of 2.5 cups of water and lentils to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook lentils until soft (about 25 minutes). All the water should have been absorbed or evaporated. If the lentils are cooked and there's still more water to be absorbed, just drain out water and then set aside.
While the lentils are cooking, place butternut squash evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes or until tender. Once done, set aside.
Transfer butternut squash to a high-power blender and add cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, (how long does garlic powder last?) ghee or coconut oil, coconut milk, and sea salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. Give a taste test and add more seasoning if needed.
Now it's time to make the bottom, pie part. In a large fry pan on the stove, heat olive oil and saute onions for 5 minutes. Add carrots, celery, red pepper, peas, seasoning, rosemary and garlic. Add more olive oil if needed.
Next add the lentils, tomato paste (how long does tomato paste last?), and veggie stock. You should have a somewhat pasty texture -- this is normal. Give it a taste test!
Using a 9-inch pie plate, spread the bottom mixture onto the pan. Then spoon the butternut squash topping mixture on top. Place in oven for 25 minutes.
Once cooked, remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
This will freeze well so cover it and freeze it for up to 2 months or refrigerate it for 1 week and reheat it in the oven as needed. Enjoy!
Assembling the Pie
To begin assembly, one should ensure that the lentils have been simmered in water until tender and then drained. They then combine the lentils with the seasoned, roasted butternut squash in a large bowl. The seasoning should include a careful balance of salt, pepper, and any additional spices according to taste.
Preparation of the pie crust is key—lay out the bottom crust in a greased casserole dish before pouring in the lentil-squash mixture. Using a brush, one must lightly coat the edges of the crust with water to secure the top layer adhesively. It is crucial to evenly spread the mixture to prevent uneven baking and ensure every slice is full-flavored.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's at the correct temperature for baking. Placing the pie in a cold oven will result in improper cooking.
Place the pie in the middle of the oven on a baking dish to promote even heat distribution. Cover the pie with foil to prevent over-browning. Cook time typically spans between 40 to 50 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes encourages a crispy crust.
Just before baking, one must make several slits on the top crust to release steam. Brushing the top crust with a bit of olive oil or a beaten egg will yield a golden finish. The pie is baked to perfection once the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Prep time and cooking time should be closely monitored. Total prep time is usually about 30 minutes, with the cooking time being an additional hour to ensure both the filling and the crust are properly cooked through. It is advisable to let the pie stand for a few minutes after removing it from the oven; this allows the filling to set for clean slicing.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
To enhance the flavors and create a satisfying meal, thoughtful pairing, and proper storing are crucial with Butternut Squash Lentil Pie.
Complementary Side Dishes
Salad: A fresh green salad tossed with extra-virgin olive oil, a hint of garlic cloves, and a sprinkle of thyme or parsley complements the richness of the pie.
Vegetables: Roasted or steamed kale can add a nutritious and colorfully vibrant touch to the plate.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration: Wrap the pie securely or store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It can be refrigerated for up to three days.
Reheating: Ensure to cover the pie with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through, typically for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Butternut squash lentil pie serves as a nutrient-dense meal option that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian diets. Each serving of this flavorful dish provides a rich source of essential nutrients while supporting a balanced diet.
The pie's main ingredient, butternut squash, is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. It contributes significantly to the dish's overall dietary fiber content, which aids in digestion and satiety. Lentils, another key component, are an excellent protein source, critical for muscle repair and growth. A typical serving contains a robust amount of protein.
For individuals monitoring their gluten intake, this dish can be adapted to be gluten-free by using alternative flours such as almond or coconut for the pie crust. This makes it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Nutritional yeast (how long does nutritional yeast last?), often used in vegan cooking to provide a cheese-like flavor, adds not only a savory note but also comes packed with B vitamins. Here is a brief breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Total Fat: 10 g
This lentil pie marries nutrition with taste, making it a hearty meal choice for anyone looking for plant-based completeness in their diet.
