Is there anything more comforting during fall than a bowl of butternut squash soup? I don’t think so!
Every spoonful of this Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Lentils features wholesome ingredients like butternut squash and lentils with lots of warming spices. It’s pureed until smooth and made luxurious with cashew cream, leaving you with a perfect bowl to cozy up on chilly days.
To finish it off, crispy roasted lentils are sprinkled on top for crunch, complexity, and protein. It’s the best way to turn a side soup into a dinner soup!
Table of Contents
1. Why this recipe works
2. Ingredient notes
3. Step-by-step instructions
4. Tips for making this recipe
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Recipe card
Why this recipe works
The most comforting yet wholesome fall recipe.
Roasted butternut squash has magical, comforting qualities, like a velvety, thick texture and a sweet, earthy flavor. A simple cheesy cashew cream (or coconut milk) add extra depth and creaminess.
In addition, the warming spices give this soup extra comforting characteristics. Cumin builds on the squash’s earthiness while highlighting another layer of warmth, cayenne pepper and white pepper bring a touch of heat, while nutmeg and ginger bring out its natural sweetness.
Despite being cozy, it’s wholesome and vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free.
Gourmet flavors without extra work.
I’ve gotten to know winter squash quite well (as evident in my Butternut Squash Curry and Thai Pumpkin Soup recipes), and it can be time-consuming to prepare. So, I skipped all the peeling and dicing in this recipe (without any sacrifice in flavor).
By cutting it in half, scooping out the seeds, and slicing a crosshatch pattern in the flesh, you achieve deeply flavored roasted squash without the wrist-aching peeling and chopping.
The baseline of flavor here comes from a short list of affordable aromatics and spices. By sautéing them ahead of time, their gourmet flavors are put on display without having to slow simmer the soup.
Looking for more creamy but wholesome vegan soups? Try my Vegan Broccoli Soup, Vegan Potato Leek Soup, or Vegan Cauliflower Soup!
Finished with a crispy surprise.
Have you had the pleasure of trying roasted lentils before? They become delightfully crispy and add a fabulous surprise texture once topped on the creamy soup. You can even double up on the roasted lentils and use any extras on salads, grain bowls, or stuffed sweet potatoes.
Serving toasted bread on the side adds a chewy crunchiness at the end. Dip a piece in the soup to enjoy all of the best textures in one meal: creamy, crunchy, chewy, and crispy.
Ingredient notes
Butternut squash. A large squash (around 3 to 3.5 pounds) or two small squashes will do. The squash is halved, then roasted to fill this soup with layers of deep, earthy, subtly sweet flavors that you wouldn’t get if the squash was simply sauteed or boiled.
Green lentils. Dried lentils are a pantry staple I always have on hand, as they’re one of the most affordable and easiest ways to bulk up meals. Both green or brown lentils can be used here, as they both crisp up well in the oven and act as a crunchy element on top of each bowl of soup.
Garlic + aromatics. Savory garlic, onion, and a warm spice blend add layers of comfort and depth.
Cashew cream or coconut milk. To add some richness, you’ll whip up a simple cheesy cashew cream or keep things even quicker by adding just a bit of coconut milk when you purée the soup.
Bread. A creamy soup always needs some bread for dipping!
Step-by-step instructions
Cook the lentils. Cook the lentils in a pot on the stove or in your pressure cooker, but only until al dente (not soft!). Drain the lentils and lay them on a kitchen towel to dry (this is important for the roasting step).
Roast the squash. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a paring knife to cut a crosshatch pattern in the flesh. Rub the flesh with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Having trouble slicing your squash in half? Just pop it in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes to soften slightly.
Place the squash flesh side down on a lined baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 400ºF/205ºC for 30 to 40 minutes, until brown and tender.
Roast the lentils. Transfer the cooked and dried lentils to another sheet pan. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread them out in an even layer, then roast until crisp, about 25 minutes (same temperature as the squash).
Cook the aromatics. When the squash is almost done roasting, heat some olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and fragrant. Next, add the garlic and sauté until aromatic.
Add the spices and stir to coat the onions for 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with the broth, making sure to scrape up the brown bits stuck to the bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Blend the soup. Transfer the roasted squash flesh to a stand blender. Pour in the broth-onion mixture, the cashew cream or coconut milk, and season with salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar. Blend with the center cap removed (to allow the steam to vent) until the soup is smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Pour into bowls and top with crispy lentils and chopped cilantro and green onions. Serve the toasted bread on the side and enjoy!
Tips for making this recipe
The secret to crispy lentils.
Only lentils that are barely cooked will crisp up in the oven. If you cook them until they’re soft, they won’t dry out as well.
It’s also important that you give the lentils time to dry after cooking. Cooked and dried lentils = crispy, crunchy roasted lentils.
To dry the lentils, lay them on a clean kitchen towel and spread out. Rest for 10 minutes (or longer). If they still seem a bit wet, drape the towel on top and very gently pat them dry (don’t smush them!).
Achieving the right texture.
A regular stand blender will beautifully puree the soup, giving it a silky, creamy texture. If you want to wash one fewer dish and don’t mind a more rustic texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender or keep some of the roasted squash on the side and stir it in after blending.
Save time by multitasking.
The components in this recipe are easy to tackle, but there’s a right way to get them done efficiently:
(1) Prep the squash while the lentils are simmering
(2) Roast the squash, then prep the aromatics, and wait for the cooked lentils to dry
(3) Roast the lentils when the squash is 25 minutes away from being done
(4) Cook the aromatics on the stove with broth and toast the bread when the lentils and squash are almost done roasting
(5) Blend to soup, top with lentils and bread, and you’re done!
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, you can eat the skin from roasted butternut squash. It doesn’t affect the flavor when blended, but it will slightly affect the texture. I prefer to peel the squash after it’s done roasting (when the squash is tender, it almost slips out of the peel).
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.
The soup will thicken as it rests, especially if you used cashew cream. When reheating leftovers, add 1/2 to 1 cup (120 to 240 mL) water or broth to thin out.
The crispy lentils are best on day 1, but you can store them in a container in the fridge for about 2 days. Reheat in a frying pan to help them crisp up again.
Yes, you can freeze the soup for 3 to 4 months. When reheating, add broth as needed to help thin it out and freshen up the flavor with a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice. The crispy lentils cannot be frozen though.
More Vegan Butternut Squash Recipes
- Vegan Tagine with Chickpeas
- Creamy Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas
- Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad
I hope you love this vegan butternut squash soup as much as we do! If you do, please leave a rating and review below with your feedback!
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 large or 2 small butternut squash (3 lbs or 1.3 kg total)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for roasting squash
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 to 4 cups (720 to 960 mL) good-quality vegetable broth
- ¾ to 1 cup (150 to 200g) green or brown lentils (see Note 1)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar, more as needed (or freshly squeezed lemon juice)
Spice Blend
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg (or 1/8 tsp pre-ground)
Cream (optional; pick one)
- 1/2 cup (120g) full-fat coconut milk, well-stirred
- 1/2 cup (120g) Cashew Cream (see 2nd recipe card); OR
For Serving
- 1 handful flat-leaf parsley or cilantro chopped (optional)
- Flaky sea salt
- Crusty bread to serve 4, toasted if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF/205ºC. Arrange two oven racks, one on the bottom and one in the middle.
- Cook the lentils. Bring a medium Dutch oven or saucepan of water to a boil. Season with a few pinches of salt and add the lentils. Reduce heat and simmer for ~ 8 minutes. Taste a lentil—it should be cooked through but with a bite (you don’t want it to get soft). Drain well and transfer to a dish towel to dry out.
- Prep and roast the squash. While the lentils are cooking, slice the squash in half, vertically, then scoop out the seeds (no need to peel). See Note 2. Take a paring knife and make some crosshatch marks in the flesh, but don’t cut all the way through to the skin. Drizzle each half, flesh side up, with some olive oil and rub in. Season the flesh with salt and pepper. Line a rimmed sheet with parchment paper. Place squash flesh side down. Roast on bottom rack for 45 to 55 minutes, or until somewhat browned and fork tender.
- If making the Cashew Cream (see 2nd recipe card), start on that now.
- Prep the lentils. Add the lentils to a second rimmed sheet pan and toss with 1 TBSP olive oil and sprinkle with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Spread out to distribute so there's minimal overlap. Set aside for now.
- Roast the lentils: When the squash has 20 minutes left, add the pan of lentils to the middle oven rack. Roast for 15 minutes. If the lentils have not crisped up, shake the pan to toss and roast for 5 more minutes until crispy but not rock hard.
- Meanwhile, cook the aromatics. Heat 2 TBSP olive oil in the saucepan used earlier over medium-high. Once hot, add the onions and season with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until softened and turning color. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the Spice Mix and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in 3 cups (720 mL) broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- When the squash is done, peel off the skin with your hands. Transfer flesh to a 64 oz / 2L stand blender. See Note 3 if you don't have a blender or if yours is smaller. Pour in the onion-broth mixture, the coconut milk or Cashew Cream if using, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice). Remove the center cap and cover with a dish towel to allow steam to vent. Blend until smooth, creamy, and warmed through. If too thick, add more broth or water. Taste, adding salt/pepper or vinegar to taste.
- Pour soup into bowls, top with crispy lentils, and chopped herbs, if using. Drizzle on a bit of good olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt; serve toast alongside the soup.
Notes
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
Cheesy Cashew Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140g) raw cashews
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) filtered water, more as needed
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, more as needed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, more as needed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: For high-powered blenders, cover the cashews with boiling water for at least 15 minutes. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, add the cashews to a saucepan and cover them with water; boil for 20 minutes. Drain the cashews and rinse with fresh water.
- To a high-powered blender (or food processor), add the cashews, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and several cracks of pepper. Blend, starting on low then increase to high, until creamy and thick, scraping down the sides with a silicone spatula as you go. In a food processor, this will take about 4 minutes. The texture should be creamy, thick, and spoonable.
- If it’s too thick to blend, add a tablespoon of water at a time (up to 4 tablespoons).Taste and adjust for seasonings, adding more salt for saltiness, more nutritional yeast for cheesy/umami flavors, or more lemon juice for acidity.
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Outrageously creamy and flavorful!
Adding it to the “Nisha” section of our family cookbook :)
Glad to hear you enjoyed, Kelly!
This recipe was amazing! The crispy lentils were the perfect addition. I made exactly as listed and the flavors were wonderful. Love your blog!
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Monique!
So yummy! Just made this recipe for the first time, and love it. The crunchy lentils really add a lot to the recipe. Never would have thought of it! Thanks so much for making a fabulous fall recipe.
Beth, So glad to hear you loved this recipe! :) You’re very welcome!
Absolutely amazing recipe! The spice combination is phenomenal
Pam, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!
Incredible. By the way, any news on if Nisha is going to create a meal delivery subscription anytime soon? I remember filling out a survey about it a while ago.
Hi Ashley, so glad you enjoy it! And it’s in the works! Stay tuned.
If cooking lentils in pressure cooker, how much water to add, how long to set timer, quick release or nature release?
Thanks, Hope
Hi Hope, you’ll need to roast the lentils according to the instructions here, but if you want to cook them in the pressure cooker instead of stovetop, you’re in luck! We have a whole guide for cooking lentils in the IP here!
I had never heard of grilled lentils, and now that I tasted them, they’ll become a regular soup side here! My not-vegetarian-at-all husband called them “really good”, so you may claim a big win! Thanks again!
Awesome, Annie. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
Excellent recipe! I added cashews for added creaminess :) 11/10
Hi, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!
Could I use red lentils instead? If so, I assume I’d need to boil them for a shorter amount of time.
Hi Caitlin, green or brown lentils both both crisp up well in the oven and act as a crunchy element on top of each bowl of soup. We’re afraid red lentils will be too mushy for the desired end result.
Delicious! Even my 11-year-old liked the soup.
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Lisa!
This was delicious! Straightforward recipe with lots of flavor that was not too challenging to make! The spice blend had a nice kick to it but wasn’t too spicy at all. The lentils made it very filling and nutritious. Will definitely make this again! Probably next time I have company to impress ;) thanks for another great recipe Nisha!
Abbie, So glad to hear you loved this recipe and will make it again! :) You’re welcome for the recipe!
Made this tonight and it’s fantastic 😍 Thank you for all the great recipes!!
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Courtney!
Pleasing to the eye! Beautiful colorful dish . Very labor intensive but worth the goodness
We’re glad you enjoyed the soup, Rhonda!
The instructions say “Place the squash flesh side down on a lined baking sheet,” but the photo shows the squash halves flesh side up. Which is correct? I’m really eager to try this, especially since every recipe of yours that I have tried has yielded terrific results.
Hi Christine, it’s Nisha of Rainbow Plant Life (don’t think I’m logged into my account on my phone, but wanted to reply soon). Apologies for the confusion, I put the flesh side up in the photo so that you could see the crosshatch pattern. But the written instructions are correct – flesh side down. I don’t think it’ll make too much of a difference either way in terms of baking through, but I think you get a little more caramelization when you put the flesh side down.
Wow, thank you so much for your almost immediate response! I can’t imagine how you have time to do everything.
Love your recipes Nisha. Please post some recipes with spinach .
Thanks
Hi Geetha! Great to hear you enjoy the recipes :) Just about all of our curry and soup recipes would be wonderful with the addition of spinach! Also this pasta salad! This Palak Paneer recipe is made using a ton of spinach!
I love checking my email when I don’t have any idea what to make for dinner and this recipe was there! So good Nisha. Thank you for all your delicious creations.
Mindy, So glad to hear you loved this recipe! :) You’re very welcome for the recipes!
Will make it as soon as I get the squash.
Sounds healthy and delicious.
Hope you enjoy this recipe, Susie!
Thanks for the recipe!
Could you do this in an instant pot? If so how would you adapt it? (I’m very new to the instant pot!) :)
You’re welcome! And yes, you can! Saute the aromatics as written in the instructions using your IP saute setting. Then add your butternut squash flesh and broth. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a 5 or 10 minute natural pressure release before releasing the steam manually.
You are brilliant Nisha and team… Keep it up!
Thank you so much, Cheche! :)
Thanks for the recipe, Nisha! I can’t wait to try this one! Do you have any tips for storing the roasted lentils to keep them crispy?
From Nisha: “You’re welcome, Corinne! They stay crispiest in a jar with the lid ajar, but I’m not entirely sure how long you can safely keep them at room temperature (I’ve done it before but I don’t know the science/food safety behind it). To be on the safe side, you can refrigerate them and then reheat them in a dry frying pan.”