Spiced & Sweet Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup - Standard Recipe
You Will Need
- Spiced & Sweet Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (1 ½ cups)
- 4 cups butternut squash, diced
- 8 cups vegetable broth (64 oz.)
- ½ cup orange juice (4 oz.)
- optional: 1 can (15 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained. To increase sweetness, add additional 1/4 c orange juice.
Here's What You Do
- In a 4-quart pot, sauté onion in oil for 10 minutes.
- Stir in contents of soup mix, butternut squash, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 45 minutes.
- Stir in orange juice and mandarin oranges, if desired. Serve.
Got leftovers? Learn how to cool, store, and reheat soup safely in our guide to soup storage and food safety.
Cooking & Nutrition Tips
Use the tips below to customize nutrition, boost flavor, or stretch the soup to fit your needs.
Reducing Sodium?
All of our mixes contain no added salt, only what occurs naturally in the ingredients. To further reduce sodium, use a low-sodium broth, bone broth, or stock. Organic broths often contain less sodium, and homemade broth/stock gives you the most control.
Boosting Protein?
Cutting Calories/Fat?
Sauté veggies in vegetable oil rather than butter
Watching added sugars?
Choose 100% orange juice or juice-packed mandarins to avoid added sugars.
More Veggies?
- Add 2 cups chopped carrots with the squash
- To boost vegetables, add 1 box of frozen peas or 2 cups fresh, shredded Brussel sprouts in the final 10 minutes of cooking time.
- Use 100% orange juice for a citrusy base
- Add mandarin oranges canned in juice—not syrup—for extra brightness
Interested in whole grains or extra fiber?
Top with a scoop of cooked quinoa for protein and whole grain power
Looking for Mediterranean-Inspired additions?
- Garnish with chopped nuts or seeds and a drizzle of olive oil
- Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for creaminess
Serving and Garnish Ideas
Top with roasted pepitas, crispy sage, a drizzle of coconut cream, yogurt, or chili oil for texture. Serve with crusty bread, grilled ciabatta, or naan.
Cooking Methods
Slow Cooker
We do not recommend using a slow cooker due to the short cooking time on the stovetop.
Pressure Cooker
We do not have a specific Pressure Cooker recipe for this soup at this time.
Dietary Adaptations
Vegan
This soup mix was designed with vegans and vegetarians in mind! Lentils, Quinoa, and Navy Beans added with butternut squash make a thick and slightly sweet soup.
You Will Also Need:
- 2 Tbsp. oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
- 4 cups butternut squash, diced (16-24 oz.)
- 8 cups vegetable broth (64 oz.)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (4 oz.)
- Optional: 1 can (15-oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
Here’s What You Do:
- In a 4-quart pot, sauté onion in oil for 10 minutes.
- Stir in contents of soup mix, butternut squash, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 45 minutes.
- Stir in orange juice and mandarin oranges, if desired. Serve
Vegetarian
This soup is vegetarian as prepared, with no changes required.
Gluten Free
This soup is naturally gluten free when prepared as directed. No special substitutions are needed.
Dairy Free
This soup is naturally dairy free when prepared as directed. No special substitutions are needed.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? A few simple tweaks can make this recipe your own.
Hearty Potato Addition: Add diced potatoes along with the squash for a heartier, more filling soup.
Creamy Squash Lentil Soup: Stir in 8 oz. cream cheese and puree part of the soup for a richer, velvety texture.
Lower-Carb Sweet & Spiced Version: Skip the orange juice and add a small amount of brown sugar substitute, plus a pinch of cinnamon and crushed red pepper for warmth and subtle heat.
Apple Cider Twist: Replace the orange juice with 1 cup real apple cider and add ⅛ cup brown sugar and 1 stick of butter for a sweeter, autumn-inspired flavor.
Inspired by our customers. Thanks to Frank D., Melissa, Dawn, and Carol G. for sharing their ideas. Have a favorite twist of your own? Send us an email or leave a review on the product page.