Pumpkin and Cashew Cream Sauce
Growing up in an Italian family, with my mum as a chef in our family restaurant, this pasta dish was on repeat. It was an absolute hit at the restaurant. Our family restaurant was called Arrivederci (my brother actually still carries on the family business). Anyway, back to this dish! People would come from all over just for “Spaghetti alla Zucca”. And it was always served in this entire pumpkin.
I too was obsessed with it – such a simple recipe with a few key ingredients. But the way my mum made it – wow, it just screamed love and simplicity.
Every time I make it now, it takes me right back to those happy days back at the restaurant – it’s like a warm hug from mum.
Back then, I wasn’t plant-based so this cream had dairy cream in it! And like most of my mum’s traditional dishes, I’ve veganised this using cashew cream! And honestly, it’s so incredible.
I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do. And I hope when you eat it, it feels like a warm hug too!
Pumpkin and Cashew Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 cups grated pumpkin (approx 400 grams)
- tablespoons water
- 1 bottle tomato passata
- 1 birds eye chili
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for up to 2 hours or boil for 20 minutes)
- 3/4 cup water
- salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Cashew Cream
Method
Sauté garlic in fry pan until starting to brown.
Cook the grated pumpkin in the garlic and oil until it softens – this will take about 10 minutes. Whilst cooking add the 1 to 2 tablespoons water as needed to keep the pumpkin moist (or you could add more olive oil)
Add chili and salt to the pumpkin and once the pumpkin has completely softened add the tomato passata. Stir and then simmer on low for about 15 minutes.
Then make your cashew cream by blending your soaked or boiled cashews with water, lemon juice and salt until completely smooth – this is important as you don’t want any texture in your cashew cream.
Then add your cashew cream to your sauce and simmer on low heat for 2 – 3 minutes.
Stir through your favourite pasta or even zoodles. YUM!
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you adapt this traditional pasta dish to make it vegan, and what role does cashew cream play in achieving the creamy texture?
To veganize this dish, I replaced dairy cream with cashew cream. Cashew cream, made by blending soaked or boiled cashews with water, lemon juice, and salt, adds a rich and creamy texture without the need for dairy. It's a fantastic plant-based alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe.
Can you recommend a specific type of pasta or alternative, like zoodles, to pair with this pumpkin and cashew cream sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, whether it's spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you prefer. You can also opt for zoodles (zucchini noodles) if you're looking for a lighter, low-carb alternative. The choice is yours!
Are there any tips for achieving the perfect texture of the pumpkin in this dish, and how can individuals ensure it doesn't become too dry while cooking?
To achieve the perfect texture of the pumpkin, sauté it in the garlic and oil until it softens, which should take about 10 minutes. You can add a tablespoon or two of water as needed to keep the pumpkin moist and prevent it from becoming too dry. Alternatively, you can use more olive oil for added moisture and flavour.
Can you provide guidance on how long to soak raw cashews for the cashew cream, and is there an alternative method for those who don't have time to soak them?
Raw cashews can be soaked for up to 2 hours to soften them, or you can opt for a quicker method by boiling them for about 20 minutes. This softens the cashews and makes them suitable for blending into a smooth cream. If you're short on time, the boiling method is a convenient option.
Is this pumpkin and cashew cream sauce suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, such as being vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this pumpkin and cashew cream sauce is both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions. It's a delightful and creamy pasta sauce that accommodates various dietary preferences.
