Curried Butternut Squash Dip

Ingredients

1 – 2-pound butternut squash
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1¼ cups “lite” coconut milk
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1 cup pepitas, toasted, plus more for garnish
Zest of 1 lime
¼ cup lime juice
1½ teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Brush with oil and place cut-side down in a baking pan. Roast until tender, about 45 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle, then scoop the squash out of the skin.
  3. Meanwhile, place curry powder and cumin in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; stir until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Add coconut milk and ginger; bring to a boil over high heat. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer and simmer, stirring frequently, until reduced to about ¾ cup, 13 to 15 minutes.
  4. Process pepitas in a food processor until finely ground. Add the squash, the coconut milk mixture, lime zest, lime juice and salt; process, scraping down the sides once or twice, until smooth. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and pepitas, if desired. Serve with crisp raw vegetables or toasted pitas for dipping.

Curried Butternut Squash Dip