Tamarind Temptation
Tamarind-spiced butternut squash is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that will add a touch of exotic sweetness to your meal. The squash is roasted until tender then tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Tamarind is a sour fruit that is used in many Southeast Asian cuisines, and its unique flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet squash. This dish is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It is also a great way to use up leftover squash.
As a child, I always thought of butternut squash as a boring vegetable. It was always served boiled or mashed, and it never had much flavor. But then I discovered tamarind, a sour fruit that is used in many Southeast Asian cuisines. Tamarind has a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart, and it pairs perfectly with the sweet squash. I started experimenting with tamarind and squash, and I soon came up with this recipe for Tamarind-Spiced Butternut Squash. This dish is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that will add a touch of exotic sweetness to your meal. The squash is roasted until tender then tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Tamarind Temptation Tamarind Temptation Tamarind Temptation Tamarind Temptation
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 (12-ounce) container tamarind pulp
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the squash, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and tamarind pulp. Toss to coat.
  3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and browned.
  4. Serve hot or warm.
Why It Works
  • The combination of sweet squash and tangy tamarind is a perfect balance of flavors.
  • Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes the edges.
  • The tamarind sauce is made with fresh tamarind pulp, which gives it a bright and flavorful taste.
  • This dish is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or as a main course.