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Savory Pumpkin Curry Sauce

BY ELIZABETH BORELLI

Makes 4 cups

Pumpkin recipes are all the rage this time of year, and with excellent reason.  Pumpkin is a nutrition powerhouse that rings with Fall flavor, sending the culinary creativity soaring.  This Savory Pumpkin Curry Sauce is a family favorite at my house, where my kids love the creamy texture and savory blend of flavors in the cozy Fall dish.

Easy to prepare, this sauce is perfect to simmer your favorite veggie blend in (see suggestions below), and serve spooned over brown rice.

In keeping with my theme of planning ahead, the recipe makes enough to freeze a batch for use whenever you need it. For best results, freeze in a glass jar, lid left slightly ajar until fully frozen to avoid breakage, for up to 2 months.

Ingredients :

• ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in just enough water to cover them, for at least 30 minutes
• 2 large onions, peeled and cut in half
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 cups cubed cooking pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1” cubes, or 1 cup cooked pumpkin (cooked or BPA-free canned)
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 3 cups rice or your favorite plant-based milk
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or a dash of stevia
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste (available in the Asian section of most grocery stores)
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger or 1-inch piece of ginger root (unpeeled is fine)

Optional for added heat :

• 1 teaspoon chili pepper or cayenne powder

Ingredient suggestions for creating your Savory Pumpkin Curry stir fry:

• (Steam, covered in 1” water for 12 minutes before adding sauce)
• Sweet potato cubes (1” cubes)
• Broccoli or cauliflower florets
• Carrot (halfed lengthwise and cut into 1” pieces)
• Asian eggplant (halfed lengthwise and cut into 1” pieces)

(Steam, covered in 1” water for 8-10 minutes before adding sauce)

• Chopped onion
• Chopped cabbage
• Sliced mushrooms

(Steam, covered in 1” water for 5 minutes before adding sauce)

• Diced green onions (1” cubes)
• Diced tofu
• Chopped basil

Add 1 inch of water to a saucepan. Add cubed pumpkin or butternut (if using) onions, garlic and cover, turn heat to medium, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until onions are softened and translucent. Let stand on the stove for 5 minutes longer, covered,  then remove the cover and let it cool off for at least 5 more minutes.

When you’re ready, pour the steamed veggies into a blender or food processor and add the remaining ingredients. Puree until smooth. Savory Pumpkin Curry Sauce freezes for up to 2 months, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.