Hearty Lentil Butternut Squash Soup

Autumn is here! This means it's time for hearty crockpot soups that will make your soul warm and cozy, as well as keeping your gut healthy and full.  

This hearty soup recipe uses good whole ingredients like lentils and butternut squash. Lentils are a wonderful source of fiber and readily absorb wonderful flavors from other foods and seasonings.  Butternut squash gives our bodies tremendous antioxidant support with a large amount of Vitamin C.   Top this nutritional soup with some fresh Parmesan and you have a delicious filling lunch or dinner! 

LENTIL BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Ingredients: 

For crockpot --------------------------

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 cup green lentils
• ¾ cup yellow split peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning 
• 1 teaspoon salt

Before serving ----------------------

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2-3 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• lemon juice

1. Place all ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and cook soup on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
2. Once soup has finished cooking, with a hand blender, pulse or blend almost 3/4 of the soup gently until slightly creamy in texture.
3. Next, add in vinegar, kale, and parsley. Turn the heat off and let sit for about 20 minutes before serving. 
4. Serve this hearty soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and fresh Parmesan cheese. Don't forget some toasted bread for wiping the bowl clean :)

                    
                 Enjoy!

               Always craving good food,
                            Jillian