Imbolc- Inspired Lentil + Winter SquAsh Stew

As the cold grip of winter begins to loosen and the first signs of spring stir beneath the earth, we gather to celebrate Imbolc, the ancient Gaelic festival of renewal, light, and inspiration. This sacred time, honoring Brigid, goddess of the hearth, poetry, and fertility, invites us to kindle warmth in our homes and nourish our spirits with simple, sustaining foods.

In honor of the Gaelic Festival of Imbolc, a celebration of new beginnings and renewal, we bring you a dish infused with both the protective power of garlic and the wholesome abundance of the season—Lentil and Winter Squash Stew. Rooted in the agrarian rhythms of our ancestors, this hearty stew combines earthy lentils, sweet winter squash, and fragrant garlic, evoking the balance between winter’s stillness and the promise of spring’s return.

 Lentil + Winter Squash Ingredients

• 2 Tblsp Olive Oil

• 1 ½ cup diced yellow onion

• 1 cup diced bell pepper

• 2 cups winter squash, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (your choice or a mix of acorn, butternut, delicata, etc)

• 1 cup diced tomato

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp each of ground turmeric, paprika, and cumin

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

• 4 cups broth

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed

• 2 Tblsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup coconut milk

• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

 COOKING

Add oil to a large pan over medium heat. Add in onion, bell pepper, and squash, then saute until they begin to soften (about 5 minutes).

Stir in tomato and saute another 3-5 minutes

Add in garlic and spices, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Stir in broth, lentils, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. (If it begins to get dry, add more water)

Once lentils are tender, whisk in coconut milk and simmer an additional 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve while warm.

Nourishing More than just the spirit

Not only is this stew a celebration of seasonal flavors, but it also offers deep nourishment for the body. Lentils provide a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestion and sustained energy. Winter squash is packed with immune-boosting vitamins A and C, helping to fortify the body during the lingering cold months. Garlic, long revered for its antimicrobial and heart-supporting properties, enhances both the flavor and the health benefits of this dish, making it a true elixir of warmth and wellness.

With each simmering spoonful, we embrace the essence of Brigid’s flame, the nurturing glow of the hearth, and the age-old tradition of gathering around food to welcome the returning light.

Let’s honor Imbolc with a meal that nourishes both body and soul—one bowl at a time.

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