Quick Harissa Lentils with Roast Squash and Tahini Dressing

Tasty harissa lentils topped with roast squash and then drizzled with tahini dressing. Super easy to make and packed with flavour and plant-based proteins.
Quick harissa lentils with roast squash and tahini dressing

I love cooking and eating, trying new foods and eating really well, but like most people, I have little time to cook for hours every evening.

So I’m pretty happy to use some healthy cheats, like good quality organic jarred and canned pulses (in water) sometimes.

And, what do I have in my cupboard?

Chickpeas, lots of beans, green lentils and puy lentils. You can get them at most supermarkets now, so you can literally have a healthy and filling base for a meal in minutes.

This is one of my easy and quick after work meals.

I say quick-ish because you have to roast the squash, but it’s just a matter of chopping and popping in the oven for 40 minutes (which gives me time to do some exercise or catch up with some house or blog stuff).

Then all you need to do is fry some onion, garlic and spices, then add in the pre cooked lentils and viola!

Topped with the delicious roast squash, fresh tahini dressing and toasted pine nuts makes a super nutritious and tasty meal.

An additional consideration at the moment, I’m trying to incorporate more plant-based proteins and fats into my evening meals to help my running routine!

So I’m including the usual suspects; pulses, nuts and seeds, avocado etc.

Watch this space as I might need to be a bit more creative!

I would gratefully receive any tips! Love, Niki xx

The Recipe

Quick harissa lentils with roast squash and tahini dressing

Quick Harissa Lentils with Roast Squash and Tahini Dressing

Tasty harissa lentils topped with roast squash and then drizzled with tahini dressing. Super easy to make and packed with flavour and plant-based proteins.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
2 servings
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Ingredients

  • 1 small organic butternut squash chopped into cubes
  • 1 onion roughly chopped
  • For the lentils
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1 can of organic pre cooked green lentils or cook 1 cup as per cooking instructions
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Harissa paste
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Handful green olives
  • Handful toasted pine nuts
  • Tahini dressing

Instructions

To roast the squash

  • Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas Mark 7.
  • Add your squash with the olive oil and salt & pepper. Spread out on a roasting tray.
  • Roast for 40-50 minutes, until the squash is crisp and has turned golden brown.

To make the lentils

  • Add the olive oil to a large frying pan and heat to low/medium, then add the chopped onion.
  • Fry your onion for approx 10 minutes until soft and browning.
  • Add in the garlic, cumin seeds, paprika and Harissa and stir for a few minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the cooked lentils, olives and red wine vinegar and stir to combine and heat through.
  • Season with salt and pepper, then pop into two books. Top with the roast squash and drizzle with tahini dressing and toasted pine nuts.
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I'd love to hear your comments…

  • Gorana Martic

    I made this with my husband… absolutely DELICIOUS! One of the best recipes we’ve ever made. Thank you! I recommend doubling the recipe so you have more leftovers.

  • This looks so delicious and hearty. I also love all of your beautiful bowls you use to dish up in – so rustic and characteristic xx

  • This is such a delicious-looking recipe! 😀 I love squash and lentils together, let alone tahini would complement them so well!

    • Thank you so much Cassie. The combination is my favourite too.
      Love, Niki ????

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