20-Minute Red Lentil Soup to Break the Fast
Red lentils and butternut squash break down naturally for a thick, nourishing soup—no blender needed
After a relatively light fast like the Fast of Gedaliah, the body needs fluids, readily available sugars, and something gentle on digestion that won't weigh down the stomach. Red lentil and butternut squash soup is the perfect solution—warming, nourishing, ready in just 20 minutes, and requires no blending.
Red lentils break down on their own during cooking, creating a thick, rich texture, while grated squash adds natural sweetness and high nutritional value. Combined with cumin and turmeric, the result is an aromatic soup that gives the body exactly what it needs after hours of fasting.
Quick Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients (serves 4):
1 cup red lentils (rinsed and drained)
2 cups grated butternut squash
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cups boiling water
Spices: 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, salt and black pepper to taste
For serving: fresh lemon juice
Preparation instructions:
More Ideas for Breaking the Fast
If you're looking for additional options, potato and cheese casserole is an excellent choice, satisfying, comforting, and easy to prepare. Alongside a fresh vegetable salad or yogurt, it creates a complete and balanced meal.
It's important to remember that the meal breaking the fast doesn't need to supply all the energy and nutrients that were depleted during the fast. Large meals are unhealthy and produce opposite results, excess energy turns to fat and weighs us down.
Bon appétit!