Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

2 tablespoons curry powder

12 ounces red lentils

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 onion, cut into ½-inch dice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 butternut squash (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch pieces

3 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups water

Directions:

Combine salt and curry powder, set aside.  Rinse lentils; set aside.  Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add curry mixture; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add onion, garlic, and ginger, cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.  Add squash; cook until just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.  Add stock and water.  Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer.  Cook until squash is tender, about 10 minutes.  Stir in lentils; cook until soft, 10 to 15 minutes.  Serve hot.  Serves 4 to 6