Squash-based Pizza Sauce

Squash-based Pizza Sauce Recipe - Vegan and Delicious

| Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Squash-based pizza sauce is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional tomato-based pizza sauce. This sauce is made from butternut squash, garlic, salt, and pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful base for your favorite pizza toppings.

History

The idea of using squash as a pizza sauce base has been around for quite some time, as people have been experimenting with different ingredients to create unique and tasty pizza recipes. Squash-based pizza sauce offers a healthier and lower-calorie option compared to traditional tomato sauce, making it a popular choice for those looking to cut back on carbs and calories.

Ingredients

Butternut Squash Recipe

1 butternut squash
2 cloves of garlic
1 Dash of salt
1 Dash of black pepper

How to prepare

Peel and cut the squash into small cubes. Place them in a pot with garlic cloves and cover them with water or vegetable broth.
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until the squash is extremely tender. Drain the liquid, reserving about 0.25 to 0.5 cup.
Process the squash in a food processor or with a hand blender, gradually adding a small amount of the reserved liquid. Note: Do not add too much liquid. If the sauce becomes too runny, it will make the pizza soggy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Try adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil to the squash-based pizza sauce for added flavor and texture.

Notes

I usually buy pre-made vegan dough from the grocery store and roll it our according to the instructions. Other options would be to make your dough from scratch, or buy a pre-baked crust.
Use squash-based sauce in place of tomato-based pizza sauce. Add toppings of your choice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making squash-based pizza sauce, be sure to cook the squash until it is extremely tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. It's important not to add too much liquid when blending the squash, as this can make the sauce too runny and cause the pizza crust to become soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve squash-based pizza sauce on your favorite pizza crust with a variety of toppings such as roasted vegetables, chicken, or fresh herbs for a delicious and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

To enhance the flavor of the squash-based pizza sauce, roast the squash and garlic before blending them together for a deeper, richer taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have butternut squash on hand, you can use pumpkin or sweet potato as a substitute in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the squash-based pizza sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze.

Presentation Ideas

Top your pizza with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair your squash-based pizza sauce with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover squash-based pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of squash-based pizza sauce contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of squash-based pizza sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of squash-based pizza sauce contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

One serving of squash-based pizza sauce contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Squash is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your pizza sauce.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Squash-based pizza sauce is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional tomato sauce, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber in every serving.

Summary

Squash-based pizza sauce is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional tomato sauce, offering a lower-calorie option with vitamins, minerals, and fiber in every serving. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful sauce on your favorite pizza crust for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Squash-based Pizza Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was the one who introduced me to this unique and delicious sauce.

Nonna Maria was an amazing cook, and she loved to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. She always told me that the key to a good meal was using fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooking with love and passion. And that was exactly what she did when she made her Squash-based Pizza Sauce.

I remember one hot summer day, Nonna Maria took me to the village market to buy some fresh vegetables. As we walked through the stalls, she picked out the ripest tomatoes, the sweetest onions, and the most fragrant basil. But what caught my eye was a basket full of vibrant yellow squash.

Nonna Maria noticed my interest and smiled. "Ah, mia cara, I have a special recipe for these squash that you will love," she said. "Come, let's go home and I will show you how to make it."

Excited, I followed her back to our little kitchen, where she began to chop and sauté the vegetables. The smell that filled the air was simply divine – a combination of sweet tomatoes, earthy squash, and aromatic herbs. I couldn't wait to taste the finished sauce.

After simmering for a while, the sauce was ready. Nonna Maria ladled it over a homemade pizza crust, sprinkled it with mozzarella cheese, and popped it into the oven. As the pizza baked, the scent of bubbling cheese and savory sauce wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water.

When the timer dinged, Nonna Maria took the pizza out of the oven and sliced it into wedges. The cheese was gooey, the crust was crispy, and the sauce was bursting with flavor. I took a bite and was instantly hooked – the sweetness of the squash, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the freshness of the basil all melded together perfectly.

From that day on, Squash-based Pizza Sauce became a staple in our household. Nonna Maria made it for family gatherings, neighborhood potlucks, and even just for a simple weeknight dinner. And each time she made it, she passed down her recipe to me, teaching me the importance of using seasonal ingredients and cooking with care.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Nonna Maria's Squash-based Pizza Sauce for my loved ones. I added my own twist to the recipe, sometimes throwing in a handful of roasted garlic or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. But the core of the recipe – the fresh squash, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil – remained unchanged.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and anyone who was curious enough to ask. And each time I make it, I think of Nonna Maria and the joy she brought to our table with her delicious Squash-based Pizza Sauce.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in the village market, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary legacy that Nonna Maria passed down to me. Her Squash-based Pizza Sauce will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and tradition that has been woven into every bite. And I hope that, in sharing this story with you, you too will be inspired to cook with passion, creativity, and a dash of Italian flair. Buon appetito!