Photo by Natalie Matulich
“As a health coach, food blogger and advocate of healthy living, it’s important that I know where my food comes from. Additionally, I love knowing that I am helping the environment by buying what is local and in season. It is my pleasure to support the hands that feed our community”
-Fall Winner, Natalie Matulich
Here is the winning recipe from our Fall Eat Local Challenge:
INGREDIENTS:
For Salad:
1 cup black lentils
3 ½ cups water
2 cups diced butternut squash
1 medium purple onion, sliced
1 slice of good quality Italian prosciutto (optional if you want to make dish vegan)
1/8 cup Vineyard red wine
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Salt/pepper to season to taste
For Dressing:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
½ cup raspberries
Juice of half a lemon
5 basil leaves
Salt to season
DIRECTIONS:
In a medium pot, bring the 3 ½ cups of water to a simmer and add in the 1 cup of dry lentils. Stir occasionally. You may wish to cover slightly while they cook (approximately 20 minutes). Heat both oils in a cast iron skillet. Sauté onion and prosciutto (if using) together for about 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally; Be sure to season with a pinch of salt.
Allow onions to caramelize and slowly brown.
De-glaze with the red wine and continue to simmer. Add in the squash and continue to cook for about 12 – 15 min or until fork tender; stir occasionally to help caramelize the squash with the onions. Once the lentils are finished (water will be absorbed/evaporated, combine lentils in the cast iron skillet and incorporate into the caramelized squash.
Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with vinaigrette below.
*While the lentils and squash are cooking, make the vinaigrette:
In a blender, combine oil, vinegar, maple syrup, raspberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and salt and blend until smooth approximately 2 minutes
Taste to make sure it is well seasoned.
Garnish with fresh daikon radish slices and fresh parsley! (optional)