Braised Lentils, Beets and Squash is a vibrant and nutritious dish. As an added bonus, lentils are thought by many to bring good fortune for the new year. Why not try this bright take on lentils as the main course for a vegan meal, or a side at a dinner where meat is also served?

I didn’t intend this recipe to be my New Year’s post, but it’s fitting to greet a new year with a lentil dish since these little legume orbs are considered a sign of prosperity in some cultures, signifying good luck as the next year arrives.

It’s also fitting, in my opinion, to start a new calendar with a dish that’s full of colour and flavour, as a promise of a vibrant, joyful year ahead.

And, what better way to ring in another year than with food that not only symbolizes prosperity and provides a vibrant feast for the eyes, but is also nutritious? After all, it’s customary to wish others good health at New Year’s, so why not serve it up on a plate?

Braised Lentils, Beets and Squash

Back in 2015 I came across a recipe for beet-braised lentils with thyme and apples on the blog Simple Bites and found myself intrigued by the combination of beets and lentils. I haven’t made this recipe, but it inspired me to experiment with braised lentils combined with hearty fall vegetables, namely beets and butternut squash. What I’ve come up with is delicious and quite different from the braised lentils I’ve made in the past. This current recipe, being a truer braise, has the virtue of a long period in the oven, during which time I’m free to putter about. I enjoy all types of cooking, but there’s a special place in my heart for any meal I can “make” while I’m ensconced in my favourite armchair with a good book.

Get With the Beet

I’ve made it numerous times now, and can advise with assurance that while this dish looks attractive with golden beets (which have the advantage of not staining your hands), and stunning with red beets, you should avoid using candy cane (chioggia) beets. While their rings of red and white look lovely in a salad, the braise came out an unappealing muddy colour when I used them. It still tasted good, but on the principle that we eat with our eyes first, go with the red, or the gold if you want less of a mess to contend with.

Just look at the riot of colour in the skillet on the stovetop; if that’s not a vibrant way to welcome a new year, I don’t know what is!

I also tried using finely chopped beets, but the result was not as good as when I shredded them. Shredded beets almost melt into the braise resulting in a pleasing texture. Little beet cubes, uh-uh, not so much.

The final bit of wisdom I have to pass on to you is that if you’re at all faint of wrist, as I am, use a food processor if you can to shred the beets and squash. Despite knowing better, I shredded these super-hard vegetables on a box grater and paid dearly for my efforts.

Which Lentils to Choose?

I’ve made the braise successfully with green French lentils and brown lentils, and suggest that any green or brown variety would do. I’ve also tried it with beluga lentils, in the hope they would retain their inky blackness, making the dish look even more stunning. I discovered that the beluga lentils fade to a dark brown, so the visual effect isn’t worth the extra expense.

I’m looking forward to making this dish for my New Year’s dinner today. And yes, I’m going to take my own advice and haul my food processor out of the cupboard in the basement. If company of the carnivorous variety were coming, I might serve the jewel-toned lentil dish with a side (yes, I said side) of pork, perhaps sausages or a roasted loin (pork is also considered good luck for the new year in some circles). On its own, as long as you use vegetable stock, this is a most hearty and satisfying vegan entree that will have any omnivore asking for seconds.

Wishing you a healthy, vibrant, joyous and prosperous New Year, with lots of deliciousness on your plate every day.

Let’s Make Braised Lentils, Beets & Squash

Looking for Other Lentil Goodness?

I have a multitude of lentil recipes here on Urban Cottage Life, so it’s hard to settle on just three to recommend. But, I’ve done it! Here are some that I turn to over and over: Red Lentil Coconut Dhal; Lentil and Feta Summer Salad; and Fragrant Red Lentil Dhal.

Originally published 2015 01 01
Republished 2018 01 01
Updated 2020 12 31