French Lentil and Calabrian Chile Vegetable Bowl

Cover the French Lentils with boiling water and let sit for at least 15 minutes.  In a large dutch oven or stock pot; heat olive oil on medium high heat, and saute the onion, garlic, butternut squash, carrots, celery, and salt; until the vegetables have softened and “sweated” out.  Reduce heat to medium, and add in the chili peppers, red pepper flakes, paprika and black pepper and stir to incorporate them into the vegetables.  Pour in the peas and stir to combine.  Add in the rinsed and drained lentils and the vegetable broth.  Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 45 minutes; until the lentils have softened.  Add in the cannellini beans, kale and parsley and allow to simmer until the kale has wilted into the lentils and the beans are heated through.  This should be a thick consistency, not a soup.  Drizzle the olive oil over the top.  Serve with a few drops of red wine vinegar and a tablespoon or two of the sundried tomato topping.

Almond/Sundried Tomato topping:

3 T pinenuts

¼ cup almonds

Zest of 1 lemon

½ bunch parsley

¼ cup basil

¼ cup sundried tomatoes with their oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Pulse together in a food processor.  Add olive oil to loosen it, if needed.  It should resemble a gremolata when done.