Squash Sauce

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Intermediate
A creamy, savory Middle-Eastern inspired sauce made with steamed squash, tahini, and fresh ginger.
Squash Sauce recipe image

Squash Sauce

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8 Calories: 27.0

Description

This versatile Squash Sauce offers a unique twist on traditional Middle-Eastern flavors, combining the earthy sweetness of steamed squash with the rich nuttiness of tahini. The addition of fresh ginger juice provides a subtle, aromatic heat that brightens the dish, while soy sauce adds a necessary depth of umami. Perfectly smooth and comforting, this sauce serves as an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. It is simple to prepare using pantry staples, making it a reliable option for weeknight dinners. The texture is velvety and the flavor profile is balanced, ensuring it enhances rather than overpowers the main dish. Ideal for those seeking a vegan-friendly sauce option that delivers robust taste without heavy dairy ingredients.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Wash, peel, and cut the squash (butternut, buttercup, or acorn) into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Steam the squash until tender: buttercup or acorn takes about 5 minutes, while butternut requires about 10 minutes.
  3. Drain the squash, reserving the steaming water.
  4. Puree the steamed squash with one cup of the reserved water until smooth.
  5. Add tahini and soy sauce to the pureed squash and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. While the sauce simmers, wash fresh ginger carefully, removing any dry ends or decaying spots, but do not peel it.
  7. Grate the ginger on a fine sharp grater.
  8. Squeeze the grated ginger in a garlic press to extract the juice.
  9. Stir the fresh ginger juice into the simmering sauce.
  10. Serve the sauce hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 27.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 2.4mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 7.2g3%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Sugars 1.7g
Protein 0.6g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

You can use butternut, buttercup, or acorn squash for this recipe. Adjust steaming time based on the variety: acorn and buttercup take about 5 minutes, while butternut takes about 10 minutes.

Do not peel the fresh ginger; just wash it thoroughly. Peel the skin if you prefer a milder flavor or if the skin is tough.

To extract ginger juice, grate the ginger finely and squeeze the pulp through a garlic press or cheesecloth.

This sauce is best served immediately while hot. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

For a richer texture, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the sauce while simmering.

Keywords: squash, sauce, tahini, ginger, vegan, middle-eastern, butternut, acorn, buttercup, steamed, puree, soy sauce, healthy, side dish, dairy-free, savory, creamy, homemade, quick, easy, dinner
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