Description
Creamy Zucchini Sauce is a rich, flavorful vegan dish featuring roasted zucchini blended with aromatic herbs and a luscious coconut milk base. The zucchini is oven-roasted for irresistible caramelization and combined with fresh parsley, basil, garlic, paprika, and tomato paste. This sauce is versatile, perfect over pasta, rice, or as a dip, offering a creamy texture and herbaceous flavor that highlights summer produce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs zucchini, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/8 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/8 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the zucchini into cubes and place them in a large bowl. Toss with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned zucchini evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
- While the zucchini is roasting, place coconut milk, chopped parsley, chopped basil, tomato paste, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- When the zucchini is finished roasting, add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir until the zucchini is well coated.
- Serve the creamy zucchini sauce warm.
Notes
Swap coconut milk with cashew cream or regular cream if not vegan. Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable (reduce the amounts). Prepare ahead by roasting zucchini up to 2 days in advance—store in an airtight container in the fridge. Sauce thickens when cold; thin with extra coconut milk when reheating. If your sauce separates, whisk vigorously or blend for smoothness. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for optimal roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy Zucchini Sauce