Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy dip that will have your taste buds dancing? Look no further than this Vegan Butternut Squash Queso! Bursting with flavor and rich in nutrients, this delightful recipe is not just a guilt-free indulgence but also a showstopper at any gathering. With its vibrant color and irresistible taste, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this cheesy goodness in just 30 minutes. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a comforting snack, this vegan queso will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cube the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Steam or boil the butternut squash cubes until they are extremely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the squash completely and transfer to a high-powered blender or food processor.
- Add nutritional yeast, coconut milk, lime juice, chili powder, and salt to the blender with the cooked squash.
- Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, typically 2-3 minutes.
- Taste the queso and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, chili powder, or lime juice to enhance the flavor profile.
- If the consistency is too thick, gradually add small amounts of additional coconut milk and blend until desired sauce-like texture is achieved.
- Transfer the queso to a serving bowl and serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional chili powder or chopped herbs.
- For best results, consume immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: Opt for a fresh, firm butternut squash for the best flavor and texture. Look for ones with a smooth skin and no blemishes.
- Uniform Cubes: When cubing the squash, aim for 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help achieve that perfectly creamy consistency.
- Steam for Flavor: Steaming the squash retains more nutrients and flavor compared to boiling. If you choose to boil, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid mushiness.
- Blending Technique: Use a high-powered blender for a silky-smooth texture. If you don’t have one, a food processor will work, but you may need to blend in batches.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste and tweak your queso! Add more lime juice for brightness, chili powder for heat, or salt to enhance the flavors.
- Consistency Control: If your queso is too thick, gradually add more coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it should be sauce-like for dipping!
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your queso warm. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or even drizzled over tacos!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 191kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
