Vegan Butternut Squash Noodles and Toasted Almonds with Pumpkin-Sage Sauce
Prep Time 20 minutesmins
Cook Time 15 minutesmins
Total Time 35 minutesmins
Servings 4
Ingredients
For the pasta:
1large butternut squashpeeled, Blade C*
1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
¼cupslivered or sliced almonds
For the sauce:
½tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
6fresh sage leaves
1large garlic cloveminced
¼teaspoonred pepper flakes
1large shallotminced
1tablespoontomato paste
1 15ozcan pumpkin puree
½cupunsweetened almond milk or vegetable brothif nut allergy
optional: 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes**
salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the butternut squash noodles, drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until butternut squash is no longer crunchy and is al dente (check after 8 minutes to make sure you don’t overcook- ovens are finicky!)
While the butternut squash is cooking, prepare the pumpkin sage sauce. Place a large pot over medium heat and once heated, add in the olive oil. Once oil is shimmering, add in the sage and fry until crispy (about 3 minutes) and then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Add in the garlic, red pepper flakes, shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes or until shallots are translucent. Add the tomato paste and pumpkin and stir to combine thoroughly. Then, add in the milk, season with salt and pepper and stir until sauce thins out and absorbs the milk. Then, add in the nutritional yeast flakes, if wanted. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer, crumble in the sage, stir and let flavors develop, while the butternut squash finishes cooking.
While sauce is simmering, place a small skillet over medium-high heat and add in the slivered almonds. Toast for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned on all sides and fragrant. Be careful not to burn. When done, transfer to a small plate and set aside.
When the butternut squash is finished, portion into bowls and pour over pumpkin sauce. Top each bowl with a tablespoon of the toasted almonds. Alternately, toss the pasta in a large mixing bowl with the almonds and sauce to combine and then portion out to serve.
Recipe Notes
*Make sure you cut the bulbous end of the squash off before spiralizing.
**This is to add a cheesy, creaminess to the dish with added savory flavor.