Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Oven temperature: 200 C (400 F), Gas Mark 6
1 butter squash
few springs of rosemary, plus
extra, to garnish
150 g/5 oz. red lentils,
Washed
1 onion, finely chopped
900 ml/1/1/2 pints fresh
Vegetable stock
Salt and pepper
Halve the squash and, using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and fibrous flesh. Cut the squash into smaller Chunks and place in a roasting tin. Sprinkle over the rosemary and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven, 200 C (400 F), Gas mark 6, for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the lentils in a saucepan. Cover with water, bring to the boil rapidly for 10 minutes. Strain, then return the lentils to a clean saucepan with the onion and stock and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste.
Remove the squash from the oven and scoop out the flesh, mash with a fork and add to soup. Simmer For 25 minutes and then ladle into bowls. Garnish with more rosemary before serving.
