Step 1

Pre-Heat oven to 375F

Step 2

Place folded damp paper towels under your cutting board to make a secure surface for cutting the butternut squash. Carefully peel and cut squash into 2 inch chunks, remove and discard seeds. Peel onion and cut into 1 inch chunks. Peel carrot and slice into ½ inch rounds. Peel garlic. Place all prepared vegetables onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle over canola oil and season with salt, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Roast at 375F for 40 - 45 minutes or until fork tender.

Step 3

Remove roasted vegetables from the oven and let cool slightly before handling, meanwhile chop the apple. Transfer all roasted vegetables to a large dutch oven or stock pot along with lentils, apple and stock. Turn heat up to medium high and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until apples are soft. Stir occasionally so lentils do not stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4

Let soup cool slightly, then using an immersion blender, puree until no chunks remain. Stir in 1 cup of water if too thick, season with salt if desired. Ladle soup into oven proof soup bowls, place bowls on a baking sheet. Cut cornbread into 1 inch chunks and divide evenly on top of soup. Divide cheese overtop and broil on high for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and melted. Garnish with chives, enjoy!

Step 5

Note: If you do not have an immersion blender you can use a normal blender, working in batches and not filling the blender all the way up. Make sure the mixture is slightly cooled before blending.